We devoted three sessions studying the work of famous artists.
The book Vincent van Gogh's Cat was used as an inspiration for this mini art history lesson.
This book was illustrated by the Second Grade Students of East Washington Academy in Muncie, Indiana.
The adventurous cat in the book is exploring the paintings of famous artists as he travels from one famous painting to another.
The students chose their favorite work from the book and did a mini research on the artist.
The chosen works were: "Four Cut Sunflowers" 1887; Vincent van Gogh. "Waterlilies" 1908; Claude Monet.
"Exotic Landscape" 1908; Henri Rousseau. "Hermitage" 1918; Paul Klee. "Tree of Life" 1905-1909; Gustav Klimt. "Woman in Front of the Sun" 1950; Joan Miro. "Green Dancer" 1880; Edgar Degas. "Three Musicians" 1921; Pablo Picasso. "The starry Night" 1889; Vincent van Gogh.
We made copies of the chosen works, and every student had the opportunity to discuss the different elements found in the work. We looked for details, discussed colors, inspiration, and brushstroke. We looked for similarities and differences among the different artworks. We finally discussed what elements contributed to the "mood" of each artwork.
Each student created a template for her/his cat.
We used black sharpies, markers, oil pastels and water colors.
The Starry Night Vincent van Gogh
Tree of Life Gustav Klimt
Waterlilies Claude Monet
Exotic Landscape Henri Rousseau
Green Dancer Edgar Degas
Three Musicians Pablo Picasso
Hermitage Paul Klee
Four Cut Flowers Vincent van Gogh
Woman in Front of the Sun Joan Miro
