Theme: Identity & Pattern Inspired by Yayoi Kusama
Grade: 3rd
Project: Light bulb drawings with cursive names, using black paper, gel pens, metallic markers, and chalk pastels.
VA:Cr1.1.1a - Engage collaboratively in creative art-making.
VA:Cr2.1.1a - Explore uses of materials and tools to create works of art.
VA:Re7.2.1a - Describe what an image represents.
VA:Cn10.1.1a - Create art that tells a story about a life experience.
Black construction paper (9x12 or 11x18)
Gel pens (metallic, neon, and white)
Metallic markers
Chalk pastels
Pencils and erasers
Light bulb template (optional)
White colored pencil (for sketching layout)
Fixative spray (optional)
Objective: Students will learn about Yayoi Kusama and recognize her use of repetition, pattern, and color.
Activities:
Read aloud: Yayoi Kusama: From Here to Infinity or show a short video of her work.
Discuss Kusama’s love of dots, repetition, and immersive installations.
Show her Infinity Rooms and polka dot art.
Begin sketching ideas of patterns they like—practice making repetitive marks on scrap paper.
Objective: Students will design a light bulb outline and practice their name in cursive.
Activities:
Show real images of light bulbs or use a template.
Demo drawing a light bulb shape large enough to fit a name inside.
Practice cursive name writing on lined paper or whiteboards.
Students begin drawing their light bulb outline on black paper with white colored pencil.
Objective: Students will write their name in cursive inside the light bulb and plan their patterns.
Activities:
Students write their name in cursive inside the bulb using pencil or light gel pen.
Discuss how they can fill the background or bulb area with Kusama-style patterns.
Practice a few patterns on scrap paper—encourage unique ideas with repetition.
Start adding gel pen or metallic marker details.
Objective: Students will add color to their drawing using chalk pastels and gel pens.
Activities:
Introduce chalk pastel techniques: blending, layering, outlining with gel pens.
Students add background color and patterns using chalk pastels.
Optional: go over patterns with gel pens or metallic markers to enhance contrast.
Objective: Students will finalize their light bulb drawing and reflect on their work.
Activities:
Add any final touches: bold outlines, clean edges, highlights with gel pens.
(Optional) Spray with fixative.
Display artwork on tables or walls.
Conduct a “gallery walk” where students silently observe each other’s work.
Reflection circle: "What did you like about your piece? What patterns did you use? How did this connect to Kusama?"