51ºÚÁÏ

Bring elegance, movement, and colour into your classroom with this fully resourced KS2–KS3 art lesson inspired by the iconic French artist Edgar Degas. Known for his striking ballerina artworks, Degas’s focus on movement and everyday life is the perfect springboard for a creative pastel project that supports observation, technique, and expressive drawing.

In this one-off or extended art session, pupils learn about Degas’s life and unique approach before creating their own dancer-themed artwork using soft pastels. Step-by-step visual instructions support drawing, layering, and blending techniques, encouraging pupils to capture the grace and movement Degas was famous for.

This is a calming, focused creative session perfect for standalone lessons, arts weeks, or cross-curricular enrichment.

What’s included:

• A vibrant, pupil-friendly PowerPoint presentation
• Easy-to-read artist info sheet (with visuals)
• Printable step-by-step drawing guide
• Project instructions for using soft pastels

Suitable for KS2 and KS3 (differentiation tips included)

Skills developed:

• Drawing the human figure with proportion and grace
• Observing movement and form in art
• Using and blending soft pastels effectively
• Exploring the life and work of a major artist
• Expressing ideas through colour, gesture, and texture

Ideal for: arts-focused days, French artist projects, observation drawing, or a relaxing but high-impact art lesson that leaves pupils with a finished piece they’ll be proud of.

Let your students step into the wings and draw the dance—Degas style.