Kids of all ages enjoy art history when you teach it through projects inspired by the work of famous artists. Abstract art is especially fun for kids because it removes the pressure that can come with trying to achieve "realism". This project is inspired by the Surrealist movement and the work of Spanish artist Joan Miró. Joan (pronounced "Djo-ahn") Miró was a painter, … [Read more...]
Search Results for: van gogh
TIP #23: Avoid an Art Demo Disaster
Your art demo is a vital part of every art lesson you teach. It's your chance to not only teach a process or technique but also to communicate your expectations about the project. Done successfully, an art demo is engaging, informative, and motivating. It's a great feeling to “nail” your demo! But occasionally, despite our best intentions, a demo will end in disaster. Maybe … [Read more...]
TIP of the WEEK #23: Nail Your Next Art Demo
Nail Your Next Art Demo Your art demo is a vital part of every art lesson you teach. This is your chance to not only teach a process or technique but also to communicate your expectations. A good demo is engaging, informative, and motivating. When you finish, students should have all they need to be successful with their project. It's a great feeling to “nail” your demo … [Read more...]
Musee d’Orsay vs. the Louvre
My visit to the Musee d'Orsay was a completely different experience from my time at the Louvre. At the d'Orsay, I saw lots more quiet contemplation of the art (Renoir, Manet, Monet, Cezanne, Van Gogh and more).... and far fewer selfies! I was filled with awe as I explored the Van Gogh room, and completely taken aback when I came to the painting of Van Gogh's bedroom.... … [Read more...]
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Parents often tell me about the artwork their kids did with me that they have framed and hanging in their home. And this is the project that most often earns a permanent place on the wall! While there's nothing like adding new lessons to keep your curriculum fresh and exciting, we all have projects that we go back to year after year because they are so successful and are so … [Read more...]
New! Artist Birthdays Calendar
Kids love to celebrate birthdays, so what better time to introduce a new artist than on that artist's birthday? I've created a new page on my site to help you plan your artist birthday celebrations! Just click on the "Artist Birthdays" link on my menu bar for a list of birthdays by month, complete with links to lesson plans and wikipedia pages for more helpful info. (Artists … [Read more...]
Artist Birthdays
JANUARY 12 - John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) 19 - Paul Cezanne (1839-1906) Lessons inspired by Paul Cezanne on Teach Kids Art 23 - Edouard Manet (1832-1883) 28 - Jackson Pollock (1912-1956) Lessons inspired by Jackson Pollock on Teach Kids Art FEBRUARY 2 - Jose Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913) Lessons inspired by Jose Guadalupe Posada on Teach Kids Art 3 - Norman Rockwell … [Read more...]
10 Mistakes Every Art Teacher Can Avoid
Over the years, I've made more than my share of mistakes.... and many of them more than once! We all make mistakes, but we can learn from each other and at least avoid some of the common ones. Here are some lessons I've learned the hard way! 1. Doing for your students what they can (and should!) do for themselves. From passing out supplies to washing brushes at the end of … [Read more...]
Wishing You a “Perfectionism-Free” New Year
"As a painter I shall never really count, I can feel that absolutely." ~ Vincent Van Gogh, 1889, Arles Vincent Van Gogh never knew what a great artist he was. His paintings sell for millions today, yet in his lifetime, he only ever sold one painting. What fascinates me is that he didn't let this stop him.... he kept painting. Even when he received no outside appreciation for … [Read more...]
How to Start an Art Program at Your Child’s School
The one question my readers ask more than any other is something along the line of, "Do you have any advice for parents who want to teach Art in their child's class?" And my answer is, yes.... actually, I do! This topic is near and dear to my heart because this is exactly how I got my start in Art Education! I began my career in Art Ed as a parent volunteer. When my … [Read more...]