top of page

Spring Awakening

Updated: Feb 11

Theme: Spring Awakening


Spring is a time of growth, renewal, rebirth, and becoming. For this project, you will create an original artwork that responds to the theme Spring Awakening in a way that feels meaningful to you.


This is a choice project, meaning you choose your medium and subject, but your work must show planning, intention, and connection to the theme.


🎨 Project Overview

You will:

  • Choose a medium you want to work in

  • Research an artist who works in that same medium

  • Plan your artwork through writing and sketches

  • Create a final piece that clearly connects to Spring Awakening


🧠 Project Prep & Planning

Complete all steps below before starting your final artwork.

1. Choose Your Medium

Select one primary medium you want to work in (painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, fiber, printmaking, etc.).


2. Artist Research

Find one artist who works in your chosen medium.

In a Google doc, write a short response that includes:

  • The artist’s name

  • Images of their work (include titles)

  • What medium they work in

  • What you notice about their style, subject matter, or techniques

  • What inspires you about their work and how it might influence your own project

  • Format in MLA

3. Project Written Plan

In a short paragraph, explain:

  • What you plan to create

  • What materials you will use

  • How your idea connects to the theme Spring Awakening (growth, change, renewal, transformation, hope, becoming, etc.)


4. Thumbnail Sketches

Create three thumbnail sketches of your idea.

Each sketch must include:

  • A clear composition

  • Notes about color choices

  • Notes about materials and techniques you plan to use

Choose one final sketch to move forward with.


🖼️ Final Artwork

Using your approved plan and sketch, create your final artwork.

Your final piece should:

  • Show strong effort and craftsmanship

  • Use your chosen medium intentionally

  • Clearly connect to the theme Spring Awakening


📅 Due Date

All projects are due:🗓️ March 13 (End of Quarter 3)

No late work accepted without prior communication.

⭐ What I’m Looking For

  • Thoughtful planning

  • Personal connection to the theme

  • Intentional use of materials

  • Growth from your previous projects

Criteria

4 – Exceeds Expectations

3 – Meets Expectations

2 – ApproachingExpectations

1 – Below Expectations

Theme Connection

Artwork shows a strong, thoughtful, and meaningful connection to Spring Awakening (growth, renewal, transformation).

Artwork shows a clear connection to Spring Awakening.

Connection to the theme is weak or unclear.

Little to no connection to the theme.

Planning & Research

Artist research is thoughtful and detailed. Written plan clearly explains ideas, materials, and intent. Three detailed thumbnails with notes.

Artist research and written plan are complete. Three thumbnails completed with notes.

Planning is incomplete or minimal. Research, writing, or thumbnails are missing details.

Little to no planning or research completed.

Use of Medium

Medium is used confidently and intentionally. Techniques enhance the concept.

Medium is used appropriately with effort.

Medium is used inconsistently or without clear intention.

Medium use shows minimal effort or understanding.

Craftsmanship & Effort

Artwork shows exceptional care, focus, and problem-solving. Strong craftsmanship.

Artwork is complete and shows good effort and care.

Artwork is rushed, messy, or partially complete.

Artwork is incomplete or shows minimal effort.

Creativity & Voice

Artwork demonstrates originality, risk-taking, and personal voice.

Artwork shows thoughtful decision-making and some personal expression.

Limited creativity or reliance on common ideas.

No evidence of creativity or personal voice.

Spring Awakening doesn’t have to mean flowers.

It can mean becoming, healing, starting over, finding your voice, or changing direction.

These artists use nature, color, form, and symbolism to show growth — not just depict spring.

Vincent van Gogh – Almond Blossoms
Vincent van Gogh – Almond Blossoms

Spring as rebirth and hope.

→ Painted to celebrate new life. Great example of personal meaning + seasonal symbolism.


David Hockney – Yorkshire Spring landscapes
David Hockney – Yorkshire Spring landscapes
David Hockney – Yorkshire Spring landscapes
David Hockney – Yorkshire Spring landscapes

Renewal through bold color and mark-making.


Non-realistic color still communicates growth.

Claude Monet – Spring Garden paintings
Claude Monet – Spring Garden paintings

Spring as light, color, and atmosphere.


→ Perfect for talking about color palettes and mood.


Frida Kahlo – Nature-filled self-portraits
Frida Kahlo – Nature-filled self-portraits

Rebirth through pain, identity, and resilience.


→ Powerful for connecting internal growth to the theme.

Hilma af Klint – Spiritual abstraction
Hilma af Klint – Spiritual abstraction

Inner awakening and unseen growth.


→ Great example that spring doesn’t have to be literal.

Hilma af Klint – Spiritual abstraction
Hilma af Klint – Spiritual abstraction

Inner awakening and unseen growth.


→ Great example that spring doesn’t have to be literal.


1 Comment



oil pastels


Like
bottom of page