Warning! Vulnerable post ahead! I’ve got BUTTERFLIES in my stomach sharing this, as it’s my first time trying this particular linear perspective project. Eeek! But as art teachers, we all know that sometimes an assignment flies, and sometimes it falls flat on its back like a beetle. But I’m excited to see how this new spin on a classroom favorite goes!
For years, one of my favorite and highly successful Art 1 assignments has been the Color Scheme Insect drawing. I posted about it ages ago, and it remains the most popular blog post I’ve ever written! But I felt like it was time for an update. This year, I’ve combined two successful colored pencil projects: the Color Scheme Insect and a Surrealism-inspired artwork based using linear perspective.
Students will They’re going to draw a detailed insect and place it in a surreal space using both one- and two-point perspective techniques. The result? A project that will “bee” both educational and fun, pushing their creative limits while reinforcing important technical skills.
The Plan: Combining Bugs and Perspective
I absolutely love the insect drawings my students create each year—they always turn out so well! The attention to detail, the use of color, and the personality that each student brings to their insect make them incredible works of art. On the other hand, our Surrealism-inspired artwork also brings out some fantastic results. Students learn about space by using one- and two-point perspective techniques, often resulting in colorful, imaginative pieces.
So, I thought: why not combine them? This time, my students will create a Linear Perspective Insect, placing their bug into a surreal environment with a one-point perspective background and a two-point perspective object. Think about it: a beetle strolling across a checkerboard floor, or a dragonfly perched on a two-point perspective box that’s transformed into a chair or suitcase.
Here’s How It Works
The main requirement is for students to draw an insect, making sure the insect itself is detailed and scientific, no smily faces or heart-wing dragonflies. We’ll start with observational drawing techniques, focusing on the intricate shapes and patterns found in nature’s tiniest creatures.
Once their insect is ready to crawl off the page, students will place it in a space using one-point perspective. They’ll create a pattern that recedes into the distance—a checkerboard, tiled floor, or even a wood grain effect. This will allow them to practice using vanishing points while still being creative with their choice of design.
Next, they’ll be required to incorporate a two-point perspective box. But here’s where the fun comes in: I’ll encourage them to transform this object into something more creative, like a chair, a couch, or even a piece of luggage for their Linear Perspective Insect to interact with. The sky’s the limit, and I know they’ll come up with some truly “bee-autiful” ideas!
Looking Forward to Student Success
I’ve got a few incredibly talented artists this semester, and I’m buzzing with anticipation to see what they create. From butterflies to beetles, I know these Linear Perspective Insects are going to take flight in ways I can’t yet imagine. The best part about this project is how it bridges the gap between creativity and technical skills, making learning about perspective a little less “buggy” for students.
Of course, as always, there’s a little uncertainty. Will this new combination of projects land smoothly or flop like a fly hitting a window? Only time will tell! But I plan to document the progress and share updates along the way.
Next week is SPRING BREAK (cue the buzzing of excitement from my students), but when we return, I’ll be posting more about how these Linear Perspective Insects are coming along. Stay tuned for the student work and some “bug-tastic” results!
For now, take a peek at some of my past students’ insect drawings, and get ready to be amazed by what we create this year. It’s going to be un-bee-lievable!
UPDATE: Check out some Linear Perspective Insect works in progress HERE!
