If the Pope Had a Puppy Art Project
Inspired by If the Pope Had a Puppy by Gracie Jagla and Sara Ugolotti, this joyful mixed media project helps children combine faith, literature, and art while exploring the beauty of the Vatican through creative expression.
Children begin by drawing the Pope’s playful puppy on white paper using oil pastels to create bold, textured lines and expressive features. After cutting out their puppy, they set it aside to create the vibrant background.
Using chalk pastels, students design a warm-toned sky filled with soft clouds and color inspired by the book’s illustrations. They then draw St. Peter’s Basilica, blending oranges, yellows, and pinks to capture the golden domes and glowing atmosphere of Rome.
Finally, they glue their puppy in front of the Basilica, completing a cheerful portrait that celebrates the beauty of the Church and the tenderness of the Holy Father’s love.
This project takes about one 40 minute session to complete.
VIDEO TUTORIAL:
GRAB YOUR FREE PROJECT GUIDE:
Be sure to grab the free PDF for this project that includes the supply list, templates, Theology guide & more by clicking below:
PREP
- 9"x 12" white sulphite paper
- 12" x 18" black sulphite paper
- Oil pastels
- Chalk pastels
- Scissors
- Glue
- Optional: Fine hair spray to set the chalk (This can cause discoloring of the pigment and dry much darker, so be sure to test it first!)
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CREATE:
Here is how it all came together:
On the white paper (portrait style), use a black oil pastel to draw a large and wide “U” toward the top of the paper leaving a little bit of room for the ears. Add two curved lines for shoulders.
Add ears and a curved line for the top of the head. Add two paws at the bottom of the paper. Add two small circles for the eyes, then eye brows. Add a black circle for the nose and two curved lines for the mouth connected to the nose.
Use a pink oil pastel to draw a tongue. Add texture lines along the outer shape of the puppy’s body and short texture lines for the fur. Use one finger to smudge the marks to create more texture and value. Cut out & set aside.
On the black paper, use a white oil pastel to draw a cross at the top of the paper then the outline of the dome of St. Peter’s going all the way to the bottom corners. (Draw large!)
GRAB YOUR FREE PROJECT GUIDE:
Be sure to grab the free PDF for this project that includes the supply list, templates and Theology guide by clicking below:
Using yellow and orange chalk pastel, color in the dome with vertical slightly curved lines to emphasize the dome shape. Use one finger to blend the colors.
Add white clouds and a pink and orange sunset sky inspired by the book illustrations! Carefully blend around the clouds.
Outline the dome with a black oil pastel. Glue down the puppy over the background. That's it!
Let us know what you think! If you made this project, please tag us on Instagram @littleholyhearts
We'd love to see what you make!
INTERESTED IN CREATING CATHOLIC ART WITH KIDS EVERY SINGLE MONTH?
This lesson is just one of many from our video-based art club that shares solidly Catholic art classes (taught by me!) that teach about the Faith AND fun and engaging art techniques: The Little Holy Hearts Art Club. Click HERE to learn more!
Hi, I'm Marisa!
Founder of Little Holy Hearts
And my mission is to help you transform art time with kids into meaningful moments that help their love for Christ and His Church shine in their art and in their hearts!
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