Colourful, creative, and confidence-boosting!
This joyful art lesson is inspired by American artist Laurel Burch, known for her vibrant patterned cats and bold use of colour. Pupils will explore her distinctive style and then create their own two-sided standing card sculpture using bright designs, repeating patterns, and expressive mark-making.

By the end of the lesson, learners will have designed and constructed a unique standing cat, with a different character on each side—celebrating personal expression, colour confidence, and imaginative detail.

Pupils will:

• Learn about Laurel Burch and what makes her art unique
• Laurel Burch Infosheet
• Identify key features of her style: bright colours, bold outlines, and repeated patterns
• Design two contrasting cats using symmetry, line and colour
• Construct a 3D card sculpture that stands up on its own
• Reflect on creativity, choices, and visual personality in art

What’s Included:

• PowerPoint slideshow to guide the lesson step-by-step
• Artist info sheet (student-friendly biography and visual examples)
• Printable cat templates for easy sculpture construction
• Full written instructions and visual building guide
• Pattern inspiration and decorating tips
• Reflection questions
• Extension homework: design a different animal in the same style
• Laurel Burch Powerpoint

Perfect for:

• KS2 & KS3 art lessons (Years 4–9)
• SEN-friendly art activities (clear visuals, scaffolded templates, expressive process)
• Artist study units, sculpture projects, or creative confidence sessions
• Arts Week, classroom display making, or cross-curricular identity projects

Materials Needed:

• Printed cat templates (ideally on card)
• Scissors, pencils, glue or sticky tape
• Black markers or felt tips
• Colouring tools (felt tips, coloured pencils, crayons)
• Optional: extra card or display base

Celebrate colour, play with pattern, and help every pupil create an artwork full of joy, imagination, and personality—just like Laurel Burch.