Scratch art anxiety – it’s an actual thing! I would never have believed you if you told me the mere the of making a mark and not being able to erase it could make you quiver and sweat! I am ALWAYS harping on to my class to “be brave!”, “sketch quickly!”, “don’t even think about what it looks it!” … and here I am practicing and practicing scratching marks into my mini samples #artteacherfraud.

But … phew! We made it through this epic (quite long-ish) scratch art project in flying (monochrome!) colours. My kids didn’t sweat half as much as me, and geeeeez all those tiny scratches reflected our endangered animal theme beautifully (said by Miss V across the hallway 🙂 )

This project came about when I came across a (huge) gorgeous coffee table book of photography by Tim Flach whilst snooping in a book shop one freezing weekend. Have you seen his work? Oh. My. Goodness. Look! It’s divine. The macro photography enabled our class to really note the beautiful textures of each animal and became a fantastic methods to describe and discuss each using our art element vocabulary.

Tim Flach is an animal photographer with an interest in the way humans shape animals and shape their meaning while exploring the role of imagery in fostering an emotional connection. Bringing to life the complexity of the animal kingdom, his work ranges widely across species, united by a distinctive stylisation reflecting an interest in how we better connect people to the natural world. Tim has four books including ‘Endangered’. Endangered is a ‘powerful visual record of remarkable animals and ecosystems facing harsh challenges.

So naturally we used his photography as inspiration to base our artwork on endangered animals. (link it to the real world and real artists #teacherwin). This project took my Year 8 class (or twenty gorgeous girls) roughly 8 x 50 minute lessons. Our main learning objectives were to introduce the technique of scratch art, but also recap on creating 2D & 3D tone and texture using grey leads and fine liners. I also included some written tasks using art element vocabulary and a self-reflection analysis. Because we used multiple mediums and completed a series of drawing and writing lessons I created separate worksheets for each activity. This made collecting and marking of student work more manageable and streamline. The project handouts included:

• The Scratch Art Project Task Sheet

• Student Self Reflection Worksheet

• Written Assignment

• Mark Making Techniques Worksheet

• Line Samples Worksheet

• Cross Hatching Examples

• Sphere Worksheet & Examples

• Assessment Criteria

You can purchase the full project bundle below from my tpt store.

Or if you are interested in a basic outline of our project activities you download the pdf task sheet to print and see how you go!

Happy scratching! I would love to see your student results – let me know!

Fancy Finger Painting Baby Art Guide

Free Winter Art Activity Pack

Free Art Activity Pack