November Art Challenge!

Our First Grade lesson for November includes this famous painting, “Freedom from Want”, by Norman Rockwell.  In our lesson we talk about Genre Paintings, Contrast and Emphasis.

• Contrast: art experts refer to the arrangement of opposite elements (light vs. dark colors, rough vs. smooth textures, large vs. small shapes, etc.) in a piece so as to create visual interest, excitement and drama.
• Emphasis: an area or object within the artwork that draws attention and becomes a focal point.
• Genre: Art depicting scenes of everyday life.

“Freedom from Want”

Artist: Norman Rockwell

(Saturday Evening Post Cover, 1943)
(oil on canvas, 46 x 36 in.)

Freedom from Want is considered one of Rockwell’s finest works. Of the four paintings in the Four Freedoms,
it is the one most often seen in art books with critical review and commentary.
Although all were intended to promote patriotism in a time of war,
Freedom from Want became a symbol of “family togetherness, peace, and plenty.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_from_Want_(painting)

As I think of the Art Docents and also how this Fall has been a hard one with so many natural disasters as well as extremely disturbing violence happening around the world….I started to think about November and taking the time to be thankful for all the good in our lives.

• Contrast:  Looking at the extremes of what has been happening in our world and comparing it to the blessings we have in our lives.
• Emphasis:  I want to emphasize the kind deeds that so many people have done in response to tragedies.
• Genre:  What art can you find in your everyday life that depicts something you can be thankful for – lets emphasize the positive you experience.

For example….the Art Docents Help Santa Rosa

Thank you to Bonnie W., an Art Docent Board of Director,

for inspiring us to help and taking the time to make this happen!

So here is my November Art Challenge!

October Art Fun!

For the Art Docents….October brings new trainees, 1st grade printmaking workshops, and 7th grade Scientific Illustration Workshops. It is the beginning of teaching in all the LGUSD classrooms. Starting the year off right with terrific lessons about critical thinking skills, elements of art and principles of design, while using famous art as our subject matter.

For most of us….costumes, candy, chilly nights are all things that come to mind in October.  Try something different this year by celebrating with your kids and incorporate art.

Below are 7 ideas that might be fun and inspiring for you and your family!  

The Art Docents know how fun it is to take different opportunities to teach children about famous art.  As you research and look for famous artwork and get inspired to make something fun with your kids…you will be learning about art at the same time.

(Click on links below for more info on art projects and artists)

1. Create your costumes inspired from great works of art.  

“American Gothic” by Grant Wood in 1930

“Girl with the Pearl Earring” by Johannes Vermeer,  c. 1665

2. Paint or draw spooky artwork

inspired by the style of a famous painting.

“The Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh in 1889.

3. Learn about The unexpected math behind Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” by watching a quick youtube video while you are painting.

4. Create your own “Scream” painting

by using watercolors and a straw to spread the paint.

“The Scream” by Edvard Munch, 1893

5. Take time to talk to your child about

emotions and mental health

by learning more about the artist Edvard Munch

after watching Edvard Munch brief biography and artwork.

6. Use oil pastels to paint “The Scream”

How To Draw The Scream By Edvard Munch

Norwegian painter Edvard Munch is widely known for his iconic pre-Expressionist painting “The Scream” (“The Cry”). Born in 1863 in Löten, Norway, famed painter Edvard Munch established a free-flowing, psychological-themed style all his own. His painting “The Scream” (“The Cry”; 1893), is one of the most recognizable works in the history of art. His later works proved to be less intense, but his earlier, darker paintings ensured his legacy. A testament to his importance, “The Scream” sold for more than $119 million in 2012—setting a new record.

 7. Paint or sketch an original work of art using Pumpkins!

Thank you for your support of our non-profit organization!

Our Mission is:

To expand a child’s educational and cultural experiences in order to foster the development of more flexible, innovative and creative individuals.

This is accomplished through sequential programs and activities in art history, art criticism, aesthetics, art techniques and opportunities for creative expression.

Our Goals are:

• Introduce visual art as a tool for self-expression and personal growth.
• Develop criteria for interpreting, analyzing and critiquing art.
• Develop visual arts literacy.
• Provide opportunity for exercising critical thinking and respectful response.
• Develop an understanding and appreciation of art from a variety of geographical
  and historically diverse cultures.
• Provide opportunities and training for developing art skills and experiencing the creation of art.

Have an Artful October!

Julie Ferrario

President of the Art Docents of Los Gatos