Spring Awakening
- Madison Holmes
- Feb 10
- 3 min read
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.

Spring as rebirth and hope.
→ Painted to celebrate new life. Great example of personal meaning + seasonal symbolism.


Renewal through bold color and mark-making.
→ Non-realistic color still communicates growth.

Spring as light, color, and atmosphere.
→ Perfect for talking about color palettes and mood.

Rebirth through pain, identity, and resilience.
→ Powerful for connecting internal growth to the theme.

Inner awakening and unseen growth.
→ Great example that spring doesn’t have to be literal.

Inner awakening and unseen growth.
→ Great example that spring doesn’t have to be literal.




oil pastels