Exploring Color & Line with Etel Adnan — Inspired by artist Etel Adnan 
(who was influenced by Vincent Van Gogh’s expressive use of color), this engaging warm-up activity challenges students to think purposefully about line and composition.
 
Students begin by exploring Adnan’s vibrant landscapes, analyzing how she uses color and form. Then, they create their own simplified landscapes using a limited number of lines—just 3 lines on the first page and 4 lines on the next! This structured drawing challenge encourages students to consider the strength, softness, and placement of their lines while also introducing key landscape elements like the foreground, middle ground, and background.
 
Once their compositions are complete, students bring them to life with color, making their landscapes pop! This is the perfect introduction to a larger painted landscape project, helping students build confidence and artistic intention.