School-aged kids will paint fall themed pixel art in this easy project. This technique can easily be used at home or in the classroom.
What is a Pixel?
The pixel — a word invented from picture element — is the basic unit of programmable color on a computer display or in a computer image. Think of it as a logical — rather than a physical — unit.
In this project, artists will use basic square shapes to create fall artwork reminiscent of a magnified 2D pixelated image.
Related Link – create printable 3D pixel art with this Minecraft Project!
Supplies Needed to Make this Fall Pixel Art Project
- Graph Paper – cut into 8×11 square pieces (size cut in proportion to blank cardstock)
- Blank Cardstock
- Pencil
- Colored Pencils
- Sponge – cut into 1 inch squares
- Acrylic Paint
- Paper Plate – or paint palette
- Water
- Paintbrushes
- Paper Towels
Directions to Make Fall Pixel Art
Step 1
On the small piece of graph paper, lightly create a basic fall image sketch.
Step 2
Use colored pencils to convert sketch into a pixelated design by coloring blocks of solid colors. Since each pixel can only display one color, kids can only use one color in each block of their sketches. Set drawings aside to use as a reference.
Step 3
Dip square sponges into paint and stamp pixel images onto cardstock by following the pixel sketch design.
Tip: Stamp using lighter colors first to prevent cross-contamination of paint. Also, stamping across one horizontal line at a time will better keep squares aligned.
Finished Fall Pixel Art
I love how cute our pixel art images turned out! Since these projects are made on paper, they can easily be framed, clipped, or displayed with your holiday decorations.
Our Experience Making this Fall pixel Art Project
We enjoyed exploring pixel art with this quick project. I love finding ways to reuse everyday items to create art. This project forces our brains to think a bit differently by putting everything into square shapes and patterns. It is always fun to see what ideas the kids come up with and how they convert those images to pixels.
Prep Time
5 minutes
Active Time
15 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Difficulty
easy
Estimated Cost
$1
Materials
- Graph Paper – cut into 8×11 square pieces (size cut in proportion to blank cardstock)
- Blank Cardstock
Tools
- Pencil
- Colored Pencils
- Sponge – cut into 1 inch squares
- Acrylic Paint
- Paper Plate – or paint palette
- Water
- Paintbrushes
- Paper Towels
Instructions
- On the small piece of graph paper, lightly create a basic fall image sketch.
- Use colored pencils to convert sketch into a pixelated design by coloring blocks of solid colors. Since each pixel can only display one color, kids can only use one color in each block of their sketches. Set drawings aside to use as a reference.
- Dip square sponges into paint and stamp pixel images onto cardstock by following the pixel sketch design. Tip: Stamp using lighter colors first to prevent cross-contamination of paint. Also, stamping across one horizontal line at a time will better keep squares aligned.
Notes
Fall Pixel Art Variations
- Draw a one inch grid onto the cardstock to keep pixelated stamps in line.
- Use other mediums to create pixel art such as square pieces of colored paper, tiles, etc.
- Create pixel art to fit any season or theme.
- Skip painting and just create more detailed pixel art on a larger piece of graph paper.
Fall Pixel Art Variations
- Draw a one inch grid onto the cardstock to keep pixelated stamps in line.
- Use other mediums to create pixel art such as square pieces of colored paper, tiles, etc.
- Create pixel art to fit any season or theme.
- Skip painting and just create more detailed pixel art on a larger piece of graph paper.
Other Fun Fall Projects from Kids Activities Blog
Did your kids enjoy creating pixel art? What designs did they paint?
