Fifth grade is an exciting year! In art class, students are developing more advanced skills. They are learning about the visual arts such as painting, sculpture, and photography. They have fun exploring different cultures, time periods, styles, and famous artists. Through art education provided by parents or classroom art teachers, students will enhance their critical thinking skills as well as their creativity.
The following inspiring artwork ideas will allow fifth-grade students to let their artistic skills shine!
1. Drip Art
Fifth graders love this art design inspired by Jen Stark, a current Miami artist. You can begin this project with white paper and a black Sharpie marker. A lot of bright colors will also be needed to create this design. Watch this video to learn how to create your own drip art.
Learn more: Art Class with Ms. Ross
2. Op Art
This Op Art design is in the style of Victor Vasarely. Fifth-grade students usually have a great time with this drawing lesson. To complete this project, watch this video and gather the following materials for class: paper, black marker, pencil, ruler, white and black crayons, or colored pencils.
Learn more: Tracy Nock
3. Paper Lantern
For this fun fifth-grade art activity, you will turn paper into lanterns. These paper Chinese lanterns are a great addition to any party decor. Make these cool papercraft lanterns with construction paper, scissors, and a stapler. Learn how in this step-by-step video.
Learn more: Master Pro Prime
4. Oil Pastel Rainbow Tree
Fifth-graders will enjoy this easy rainbow tree scenery drawing completed with colorful oil pastels. This activity is sure to engage the students while allowing them to practice the art of drawing with oil pastels. The students can easily learn how to complete this project by watching this video.
Learn more: PrabuDbz Art
5. 3D Paper Name Sculpture
Most fifth-graders love art activities that deal with their names; however, they especially love making paper name sculptures with 3D elements. These easy sculptures only require poster board, scissors, glue, and markers. Learn how to create a name masterpiece here.
Learn more: mzlzkidz
6. Kandinsky Dot Tree
The dot tree is a Kandinsky-inspired art project that your fifth-grader will have a blast making. This Kandinsky-inspired project is very inexpensive to make and only requires construction paper, glue, and scissors. This video includes detailed art lesson plans for this bold piece.
Learn more: Ms. Lumpkin's Art Room
7. Abstract Splatter Paint Art
Your fifth-grade student will learn a brief history lesson about Jackson Pollock and abstract art in this video. This fifth-grade art idea is tons of fun, but it is also extremely messy because it requires splattering paint speckles all over paper or an art canvas.
Learn more: Doodles and Scribbles
8. Lighthouse Scene
A lighthouse scene is a great activity for students. To paint lighthouses requires your fifth-grader to focus on the directions explained in this video. The finished artwork can be framed and displayed in your home once it is completed.
Learn more: Let's Make Art
9. Graffiti Name Art
Fifth-grade students will enjoy this fun lesson that involves using their names in an art design. This video includes a graffiti lesson plan that provides step-by-step directions for creating your very own graffiti masterpiece.
Learn more: Ehlke Art
10. Chalk Pastel Fall Leaf
Your fifth-grader will get the opportunity to color with chalk when creating this awesome project. Begin with black construction paper, colored chalk, and a leaf template. These beautiful pieces make a wonderful fall decoration. This video will explain how to create one of these art pieces in minutes.
Learn more: Claire Holdridge
11. 3D Color Wheel
This 3D color wheel sphere art uses paper plates, paint, and paper clips for teaching about tertiary colors. This 5th-grade art lesson is perfect for teaching how the intense colors of the spectrum relate to one another. Learn how to create this 3D masterpiece by viewing this video.
Learn more: Kidspot
12. Andy Warhol Pop Art
Fifth graders will enjoy learning about the creative artist Andy Warhol who was well-known for his pieces of pop art. Students can create these masterpieces individually or as a collaborative project. To learn more about how to make this creation, watch this video.
Learn more: youtube.com
13. Clay Coil Hearts
This fun clay project is a great activity for fifth graders. Students will learn about the tedious process of making and firing a clay piece as they enjoy creating this cute coil heart project! Watch this fantastic art project tutorial to learn how to make your own.
Learn more: Tracy Nock
14. Japanese Notan Art
This fifth-grade art project focuses on positive and negative space and looks best on black paper. You will also need a 6 x 6 piece of colored paper, scissors, and glue to complete this Japanese art project. This video provides you with step-by-step directions for completing this fun project.
Learn more: Your Creative Avenue
15. Shade a Sphere with Chalk Pastels
Color chalk pastels are used for this awesome blending activity. Fifth-grade students will learn how to shade a sphere as they create their own unique sphere masterpiece. Your young artist can learn blending and shading techniques in this great tutorial.
Learn more: Marie Davison
16. Still Life
This awesome art project teaches fifth-graders the importance of the element of art value and how to incorporate it into their work when painting still life objects. This activity will provide creative classroom fun that will keep students engaged. View this video to learn how to complete this project.
Learn more: Amazing School - 5th Grade
17. Yayoi Kusama Inspired Art
This art project is inspired by the contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama. She is a Japanese artist that is known for her artwork that features lots of dots. The dots and vibrant colors definitely gain the attention of fifth-grade students. Your students can learn more about Yayoi and her art in this video.
Learn more: Color My Monday
18. Georgia O'Keeffe Flower Project
This beautiful flower art project is inspired by the work of Georgia O'Keeffe. This project teaches students how to blend with chalk and one's fingers; therefore, students will need a paper towel to wipe their hands once they complete their beautiful flower masterpieces. Learn how to complete the project with this video.
Learn more: PAWS Art Program
19. Tiger Drawing
Fifth-grade students can create this amazing tiger drawing on printer paper or construction paper with colored pencils, markers, or paint markers. The lesson inspiration for this project is the artist Dean Russo. Check out this video for step-by-step directions for creating your own tiger drawing.
Learn more: Cassie Stephens
20. Vincent Van Gogh Sunflowers
This video includes information about Vincent Van Gogh as well as provides a tutorial on how to create a sunflower drawing inspired by the work of Van Gogh. Your fifth-grader will find great interest in this flowers art project!
Learn more: Art with Mrs. Hutton
21. Op Art Worm Tunnel
This activity is the perfect project for fifth-graders. The only supplies needed to create this project are printer paper, a Sharpie marker, a pencil, and colored markers or colored pencils. You can use any color scheme you choose as you create this optical art activity. Learn how here.
Learn more: Purple Bananas
22. Abstract Color Wheel
This fun fifth-grade art project is inspired by the artist Sonia Delaunay. Students will love the bright colors of the abstract color wheel. However, you can use any combination of colors you choose. To learn how to create this abstract color wheel, view this video.
Learn more: Mr Mac Art Teacher
23. Origami Frog
This origami frog project is lots of fun for fifth-grade students. They will love making this cute frog. All you need is a square piece of paper to complete this project. If using printer paper, you will need scissors, so you can cut it to the correct shape. Watch this video to learn how to make your own origami frog.
Learn more: Mr. Eck's Art Room
24. Op Art Hand
Your fifth-graders will have a blast creating this op art hand project. The video also includes information about the important elements of art line and color. It is a great lesson about the principle of pattern, design, and movement.
Learn more: The Art Teacher
25. Kaleidoscope Name
This fun project will allow your fifth-grade student to create a kaleidoscope using their name. It is a great project for teaching the following elements of art: shapes and colors. Balance is the principle of design for this project. Your student can learn to create his own name kaleidoscope by watching the step-by-step directions in this video.
Learn more: The Art Teacher
26. Contour Line Sneaker Drawing
Your fifth-grader will enjoy creating a contour line sneaker drawing from one or two of his old sneakers. This fun project allows your student to use his imagination and creativity skills as he completes this project. View this video and follow the step-by-step directions.
Learn more: Angela Rossi
27. Dragon's Eye
In this lesson, your fifth-grade student will learn how to draw a close-up view of a dragon's eye. This art project also focuses on creating value in the dragon's eye as well as the scales that surround the dragon's eye. Learn how to complete this fun drawing here.
Learn more: Alyssa Manning
28. Quartz Crystal Cluster
Your fifth-grade student will use their knowledge of geometric and organic shapes to create the quartz crystal cluster drawing. The supplies needed for this project are very inexpensive. You can view this video to learn how to create this fun and engaging drawing.
Learn more: Art with Ms. G
29. Skyscraper Perspective
This is a terrific art lesson for teaching perspective to your fifth-grade students! They will have tons of fun as they create their very own cities. They can follow the step-by-step directions that are in this great tutorial video.
Learn more: Art Land
30. Mandala Art
Your fifth-grade student will love this fun mandala art drawing activity that teaches them about symmetry. They can be creative and use a wide variety of colors as they create this art project. To learn how to create this Mandala art masterpiece, watch this video.
Learn more: EART 303/331
31. Ted Harrison Inspired Landscape
This landscape art project is a terrific project for fifth-grade students. This drawing technique is inspired by Ted Harrison and allows your student to practice their creativity. They can also use any color combination that they choose. Learn how to create this Ted Harrison-inspired project by watching this video.
Learn more: Leigha Pehlivan
32. Desert Scene
This desert scene is an inexpensive art project that your fifth-grade student will enjoy as they learn how to create their very own desert scene. Make sure you have printer paper, a pencil, eraser, pencil sharpener, and colored pencils. Watch this step-by-step tutorial to learn how to create your very own desert scene.
Learn more: Leslie Autery
33. Sacred Patterns and Geometry
This mandalas project will help students practice shape and form while also introducing them to the concept of special geometric patterns from around the world. It’s a great way to learn about different cultures while also relaxing with an expressive project.
Learn more: Artful Artsy Amy
34. Food Journal
This project is aimed at helping kids be healthy and creative. Students make a booklet with the nutritional information for their favorite foods. They should design and illustrate the booklet in a way that makes it easy to use. Then, they can use it as a reference for healthy eating outside the classroom!
Learn more: Crayola
35. Design Special Shoes
This activity helps incorporate sports and other special activities into the art class. Students will design a shoe that is both lovely and practical for the sport or job that it accompanies. It’s a great way to discuss form, function, and the importance of both.
Learn more: The Art of Education
36. Visual Idioms
This digital project is a great tie-in to the English class. Students choose a popular idiom or saying, and then create an image of the idiom’s literal meaning. It’s a great way to help students think about their own language from a different angle or to explore idioms and common phrases with English language learners.
Learn more: Artful Artsy Amy
37. Symmetry with Insects
This activity highlights the principle of form, especially as it relates to symmetry and proportion. Students draw half of an insect, then fold the paper and trace the other half. Then, they decorate their bugs, being careful to keep things symmetrical!
Learn more: Crayola
38. Cactus Pot
With this activity, students practice still life drawing with a prickly subject. They can also create some extra details to express the ideal cactus. Even with undesirable traits, it has an ideal form! It’s a great chance to talk about the underlying concepts of ideal form.
Learn more: Sharp School
39. Cameo Pendant with a 3D Printer
This project is a great way to introduce kids to 3D design thinking and printing. They’ll also get to learn about silhouettes and the historical and contemporary examples of this great art. It’s a fun way to bring tech into the art classroom!
Learn more: Artful Artsy Amy
40. Harvest Skies with Van Gough
In this activity, students recreate a scene with the style and technique of Van Gough’s “Starry Night.” Using oil pastels and paint gives them the freedom to play with the colors, forms, shapes, and textures. It’s also a great way to introduce the concept of medium.
Learn more: Crayola
41. Foxes in the Snow
This activity is great for introducing the concept of light and shadow to your 6th graders. It’s also a fun way to explore mixed media creations. Thanks to the snowy background and the bright red fox, it’s the perfect project for a chilly winter day!
Learn more: Sharp School
42. Arts and Crafts for Justice
This lesson focuses on the importance of artivism and craftivism throughout modern American history. It highlights quilting and other “domestic” crafts that people use to tell stories and raise awareness for important issues. It’s definitely a great way to get your 6th graders talking about social justice!
Learn more: The Art of Education
43. Sports Puppets Gloves
Kids will have fun building a sports team with a glove puppet. Using clay, they make the equipment and jerseys for a team of five, and then they can dress up each finger of the glove as a different athlete. You can even organize mini tabletop sports for the puppets!
Learn more: Crayola
44. Ceramic Paint Palettes
This project is great for the beginning of the year because kids can use their palettes throughout the school year for all of their painting activities. It’s also a great way to promote ownership and participation in the art course. This way, art class isn’t just another way to fill the time, but it actually becomes a meaningful part of their overall education.
Learn more: The Art of Education
45. Inukshuk Stone Statues
This 3D project requires some balance, and it’s a great opportunity to let students explore First Nations and Native American cultures. Provide white stones and a safe and open space to communicate, and you’ll be impressed by the figures and forms that your students end up creating!
Learn more: Crayola
Closing Thoughts
These 32 art project ideas for fifth-grade students will keep them engaged for hours. Their exposure to various elements and principles of art will impact their art skills as they grow and develop as artists. They will also be exposed to a variety of different artists and designs that will influence their creativity for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should 5th graders know in art?
These 32 art project ideas for fifth-grade students will keep them engaged for hours. Their exposure to various elements and principles of art will impact their art skills as they grow and develop as artists. They will also be exposed to a variety of different artists and designs that will influence their creativity for years to come.
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