Experimenting with Pirate and Viking Ships in Art

Looking for a great craft to end the year with? Holly, Maryland art teacher and blogger, provides a fun, whimsical art project that your third and fourth graders will love! Here's how to create your very own pirate and Viking ships!

Supplies You'll Need
- Watercolor paper
- Watercolor paints
- Assorted colors of construction paper
- Craft glue
- Oil pastel sets

Before beginning, it will be important to note the differences between the two types of ships. Holly lists two main distinctions: 1) Viking ships usually had a single sail whereas pirate ships had several and 2) Viking ships were generally shaped like a dragon while pirate ships were traditionally shaped with many embellishments.

Directions for the Project:

1. Begin with a piece of watercolor paper, using 'ocean colored' watercolors to paint the entire sheet. Set aside to dry.
2. Draw and cut out the shape of the boat from heavy brown cardboard or construction paper.
3. Design and cut sails from scrap pieces of construction paper.
4. Arrange and adhere the boat to a piece of construction paper. Tear the dry watercolor paper into pieces and collage them around the boat to create a dynamic ocean.
5. Once the glue has dried, use oil pastels to embellish the artwork. Adding sea creatures, icons on the sails, a sun and sky, and other appropriate items.

Lines, Dots, and Doodles: Pirates and Vikings, 3rd Grade