Fall Leaf Printmaking Project | Autumn Art Lesson for Grades 2–5

Bring printmaking into your elementary art room with a complete fall project built around real leaves, repetition, pattern, texture, layering, and composition. In this Fall Leaf Printmaking Project, students in grades 2–5 study leaf shapes and vein patterns, learn the basics of printmaking, practice applying paint for clear prints, plan a composition, and create a colorful finished artwork using repeated and overlapping leaf prints. Students explore how artists can use shape, texture, repetition, overlap, color, and open space to create balance and visual interest. This is more than a seasonal craft. It is a complete elementary art lesson with instruction, practice, planning, assessment, reflection, and extension activities built in. Why Teachers Will Love It - Introduces real printmaking techniques - Uses an engaging fall theme - Includes practice before the final project - Teaches texture, repetition, pattern, and composition - Includes step-by-step project guidance - Includes troubleshooting support - Builds in planning, reflection, critique, and assessment - Works well across grades 2–5 - Makes a colorful seasonal display - Can be extended with additional sketches and printmaking activities Perfect For - Grades 2–5 art - Elementary printmaking - Fall art projects - Autumn art units - Texture lessons - Pattern lessons - Multi-day art projects - Art centers - Seasonal displays - Homeschool art - Printmaking introductions Skills & Concepts Students practice: - Printmaking - Observation - Leaf shape - Leaf vein texture - Paint application - Repetition - Pattern - Texture - Overlap - Layering - Composition - Balance - Color - Open space - Craftsmanship - Planning - Reflection Materials Needed - Paper - Real leaves or leaf-shaped printing plates - Tempera or acrylic paint - Brayers or foam brushes - Paint trays - Paper towels - Water cups - Optional colored paper for mounting Estimated Time Approximately 2–4 class periods, depending on grade level, class length, and drying time. Teacher Tip Choose leaves with strong vein patterns and interesting shapes. Have students practice printing before starting the final composition so they can learn how much paint to apply and how much pressure creates the clearest print.