Learning from the masters

Today our children were inspired by some prints of famous artwork, and decided to create their own.

I need green. Now a bit of blue for the flowers.

After experiencing how engaged some students were during this morning's play time, we read a kid-friendly biography of Vincent van Gogh.
Did you know that he was only active for 10 years, and in all that time sold only a single painting? The children were fascinated to learn he cut off part of his own ear! They felt very sad for him.

We also read that he learned how to paint by copying the masters, just like we were doing.

I see houses at the bottom. I'm copying him.

I'm done the stars. Now I'm going to do the red house.

Oh, I see yellow. We need those, the houses here.

A joint effort.

Let's share the black, ok?

The children learn a great deal engaging in activities such as this. Not only do they build artistic abilities in terms of colour mixing and fine motor control, they also exercise powers of observation. They use and improve oral language skills while examining the paintings and while talking about their own processes. The learned new vocabulary, such as swirl or watercolour. They practice getting along with each other and using self-regulation to control themselves. Most children spent more than half an hour on the paintings and many returned at the next play block to continue adding details- proof of an increasing ability to focus and persevere. 

All of these skills are directly transferable into language, math, and personal development. It's amazing what children can learn while playing with art!

"Les Iris" by van Gogh

"Les Iris" by Cameron Hu

"Les Iris" by Emma and Olivia

"Curly Tree" artist unknown

"Curly Tree" by Jaxin and Olivia

"The Starry Night" by van Gogh

"The Starry Night" by Payton and Ayden

We are looking for more examples of great art to be inspired by. Please let me know either in the comments or in an email if you have any suggestions, or better yet copies we can borrow!