An Art History Lesson with the help of Vincent van Gogh's Cat

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

Exploring Lines in Art

For this lesson we looked at the work of Doyle Trenton Hancock and how he uses lines to create strong visual compositions. As one of the students stated: "The lines are having a party." We played the "line detective" game, and we were successful in finding organic energetic lines, actual and implied lines, thick, dark, and rigid lines as well as delicate lines trying to convey a message. We discussed how, sometimes, artists use lines to direct our eyes to the focal point of the composition. We observed how some of the lines in his work suggest forms that can be recognized and examined how some of of his lines were combined with others to create textures and patterns.

Doyle Trenton Hancock

Creating interesting patterns in our raindrops.

Understanding the organic quality in Doyle Trenton Hancock's work.

Using markers to complete our composition.

Student comment: "I drew a fish bone just like the one in Mr.Hancock's picture."

(G2,G3) Butterflies, a Mixed-Media Project (Part I)

I am always looking for themes where students will get the opportunity to practice their drawing skills.

Learning how to draw butterflies offers such an opportunity. We looked at pictures of butterflies in the book ''Waiting for Wings'' by Lois Ehlert. We discussed the variety of patterns, colors, and lines found in the butterflies. We decided to do a number of studies before attempting to draw the final version in our water color paper. I explained to the students that this will be a mixed-media project where they will be able to incorporate a variety of materials. My students love mixed-media projects and with great excitement started working on their drawings.

This student was happy with this butterfly study.

This was his first and final version; he added more details on his water color paper.

Using a black sharpie to complete the design.

I explained to the students that as important as it was to

examine the details in the butterflies in Lois Ehlert's book, it was even more important to incorporate

their own ideas into the design. 

It was very interesting to watch how the students hesitated at first to create their drawing.

They were slowly developing confidence as they saw the lines and patterns emerging in front of their eyes. 

These are some of my sample drawings.

Our motto is: ''We look, we examine, and then we create our own.''

This student decided to draw a profile view of a butterfly.

She did a number of studies where one could see the changes of the lines and patterns.

It was interesting to watch the students create their own unique patterns.

Difficulty drawing the lower part of the butterfly.

A lot of erasing went on before the student was happy with the results.

This student had great difficulty drawing the body of the butterfly. 

First, the scale of the drawing was small, then she was not happy about the shape.

Student comment: ''It looks like a rocket. It is impossible to draw the body.''

After a little encouragement the next version made the student really happy.

Struggling with the lower part of the butterfly, working on multiple sheets of paper...

and voila!

I was really impressed by the complexity of her line design on the butterfly's body. 

This student learned that there is not such thing as it ''is impossible'' in art.

A big smile and eyes sparkling with confidence was a great reward for me.