Focus On Nature

A cyber gallery masterpiece!

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Let's take a closer look at one of Mother Nature's masterpieces. It'll inspire you to make a beautiful design. Whip up a frame and show your artwork in a cyber art gallery.

If you'd like to print out these instructions, go to your File menu and select Print.

What You'll Need:
Computer paint program, such as Kid Pix (or pattern from this page)
Optional Materials:
Printer with black ink, Crayons or Markers - for pattern
Ruler, Scissors, Construction Paper, & Tape - for frame

Before you Begin:

Think about one thing in nature that has beautiful colors, shapes, or patterns. We chose a peacock feather. Other ideas could be a sea shell, flower, butterfly, or the spots on a leopard. If you can, take a walk outdoors to find your subject. Or, look in a picture book - you'll need to use a picture if you decide to draw an animal.

What To Do:

• At your computer, open a painting program such as Kid Pix, ClarisWorks/Paint, or Windows Paint. Divide your drawing area into 4 rectangles by drawing a line across your screen from left to right and another line up and down.
  
• Fill one rectangle with designs that you see in your subject. You can make just one design or many in this rectangle - it's up to you. Play with the many drawing tools, colors and patterns that your drawing program offers.
  
• Make another type of design in one of the remaining rectangles. Perhaps you would like to draw your subject very close up, or make many little designs. Fill in each rectangle with a different design of your subject. Be sure to color your art on-screen - this will be an on-screen masterpiece.
  
  Another option:
  Print the pattern that is provided and color it with crayons, paints or markers.
  
• Turn your computer into a cyber art gallery by adding a picture frame to your monitor. Measure the outer edge of your monitor. To make a frame, cut four 3" wide strips of construction paper. Each strip should be as long as the length or width of your monitor. Decorate your frame with crayons or markers and tape each strip around the monitor. Invite your friends and family to see your artwork on-screen.
  
  Back to this month's lesson
  
  

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Copyright 1998 Carol Sabbeth. All Rights Reserved.
Web page design by Carol Sabbeth, author of Kids' Computer Creations
Contact Carol by E-mail at: Sabbeth@aol.com