Van Gogh Inspired Project

Van Gogh Inspired Project

Summary of Lesson:

This lesson started off with a powerpoint presentation over the artist, Vincent Van Gogh and his work, mostly Starry Night. It was filled of facts about his life, work, family, and influences. The class looked at the picture on the board, Starry Night, and were asked to explain what they saw. The common answers were movement, dark colors with a bit of yellow, trees, and a little village. During the presentation and observation, students were supposed to write down three facts that they learned about Vincent Van Gogh. After looking at this work, students had their turn. They were given a black piece of paper, glue, a white oil pastel, as well as many tears of colorful tissue paper. The colors were all up to their choosing as they had creative freedom. Students were then able to layer another black sheet on top of the tissue sheet of paper, and create a landscape. Finally, they added swirls with oil pastels, like Starry Night. 

Extension Activity: 

An extension activity that you could do with this project involves writing. The student had the freedom to create whatever scene they wanted as long as it was inspired by Starry Night. So, they will write a paragraph, like an artist statement, over why they chose to create the landscape that they did. This can be beneficial towards students because it can better their language arts skills as well as can prepare them for future art classes that will require an artist statement and explanation for their work.