Today is Van Gogh day! This one is super fun because you can take it in so many directions.
The main challenge is to paint a Van Gogh-esqu subject in colorful, big, bold strokes.
I didn't focus on the life of Van Gogh (cuz wasn't he kinda crazy? or have I just listened to Starry Starry night one too many times?) so much as the style in which he painted in his later years. Big bold colors and strokes.
I let the kids finger paint the sunflowers we have growing in our yard. It was super fun (and hot). We talked about how Van Gogh created a mood in his paintings. Flowers drooped, sometimes things weren't proportionate, trees looked like they were about to be blown over. I love the post-impressionist style so it was fun to let my kids go to town.
I stressed washable paints because we got paint everywhere, but look at the fun result. :)
As a side note, we didn't do this, but I think it would be super fun to stay up late and paint a Starry Night painting...my wheels are already turning for next year. ;)
In case you missed it, check these posts to find out about what art week is all about:
I love this--wish we could transplant your giant sunflowers!! We're going to take a sidetrack into Seurat because I don't have any finger paints on hand...totally cheating!
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