Welcome to our colorful world of creativity! This holiday season, we’re diving into a fun and festive art project that will transport us to a sunny Caribbean beach, even if it’s chilly outside. Instead of the traditional pine trees adorned with twinkling lights, we’ll be painting vibrant palm trees swaying in the warm ocean breeze, all decked out in cheerful colors and sparkling glitter!

This activity is perfect for elementary students of all skill levels, including those with special needs. No prior painting experience is necessary—just bring your imagination and a sense of adventure! Together, we’ll explore how to create a beautiful beach scene that captures the spirit of Christmas in a unique way. So grab your paintbrushes, and let’s get ready to celebrate the holidays with a splash of creativity and a dash of tropical flair!

Materials You Can Use

• Papier multi-technique
• Gouache métallique
• Hard tempera cakes
• Glitter
• Paintbrush size 8 and size 6
• Palette en plastique
• Cotton swabs
• Water jar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Ask your students to draw a horizon line separating the beach from the ocean with their pencil.

Step 2

Ask them to wet their paintbrush and paint their paper above the horizon line with clean water.

Step 3

Next, they will coat theirr brush with solid blue tempera paint and paint over their wet sky.

Step 4

They should clean their brush well. When clean, they will dip it in the water and then, in the brown paint. Ask them to apply their paint below their pencil line creating the sand.

Step 5

Again, they should clean their brush well. They will dip it in white paint and dab it on their pencil line to create foam.

Step 6

Meanwhile you can sprinkle gold glitter on their sand while the paint is still wet.

Step 7

Using brown paint, they will paint their palm tree trunks; as many as they would like.

Step 8

They will paint their palm leaves using light green and dark metallic green paint.

Step 9

They will add colourful lights around the palm leaves and trunks with a cotton swab.

Step 10

Once their painting is dry they can use a sharpie or marker to write a festive message!

Writing Component

Incorporating a fun writing component into the painting activity can enhance creativity and engagement among elementary students. Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Create a Beach Holiday Story: After painting their palm trees and beach scenes, students can write a short story about their adventure on a tropical Christmas vacation. They could describe the sights, sounds, and activities they would enjoy, such as building sandcastles or having a beach party with friends.
2. Letter to Santa: Students can write letters to Santa, but with a twist! They can ask for gifts that would be perfect for a beach holiday, like surfboards or beach toys. They can also remind Santa that their gifts must be delivered at the beach this year!
3. Diary Entry from an Elf: Encourage students to imagine they are elves who have taken a vacation to the Caribbean. They can write diary entries detailing their experiences, what they see on the beach, and how they celebrate Christmas in a warm climate.
4. Holiday Menu Planning: Students can create an ideal Christmas dinner menu inspired by tropical flavors. They could write down dishes they would serve at a beach-themed holiday feast, describing each dish and why it fits the festive occasion.
5. Poetry about the Beach: Introduce students to simple poetry forms, like acrostic poems using the word “BEACH.” They can express their feelings about the beach and Christmas through creative language and imagery.

Displaying Art

Displaying students’ Caribbean beach paintings can be a delightful way to celebrate their creativity and enhance your classroom environment. Here are three engaging ideas to showcase their artwork and writing:

1. Gallery Wall: Create a themed display such as Tropical Christmas or Christmas Beach Adventures in the classroom where students’ paintings can be hung together. Hang their writing below their paintings for curious eyes!
2. String Display: Use string or wire to hang the paintings with clothespins or clips. This allows for easy rotation of artwork and adds a playful touch to the display. It’s perfect for a classroom setting where new pieces can be added regularly. Glue their written work on the back of their painting displaying their writing skills as well.
3. Art Books: Compile the students’ paintings and writings into a collective art book. Each student can have a page dedicated to their work, complete with titles and descriptions. This not only preserves their art but also makes for a wonderful keepsake.

These display ideas not only showcase your students’ artistic creations but also encourage them to take pride in their work and foster an appreciation for creativity in a fun and engaging way.

Merry Christmas!

Like our Caribbean Christmas art project?

Try our complete step-by-step version with our spotlight on Charles M. Schulz, a fun extended learning opportunity and practice exercises. Enjoy!

I want to try this art project!