A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Georges Seurat
Even though Georges Seurat lived a short life (only 32 years), his contributions to art made him an icon of the 19th century. New scientific theories about color, optical effects and perception became the basis for his Pointillist technique.
I loved watching the kid’s react to Seurat’s paintings, as they looked close to find they were actually made of bajillions (that’s the technical count) of tiny dots. They were also able to voice how and why certain paintings felt “lonely,” “calm,” “exciting,” or “fun.”
I challenged the kids to use multiple colors in their q-tip & watercolor pointilism painting so the viewer could blend the colors with their eyes.
Inspired by Seurat’s Paris roots, one litle girl painted the Eiffel Tower.
It was very interesting to watch how hard it was for some kids to not use the q-tip like a paintbrush. Breaking habits and thinking outside of our comfort zone can be so difficult sometimes but once those walls are broken down, wonderfully creative products can emerge.
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What an inspiring post. I am a new follower, but I love learning about ways to teach and influence my child at home, especially when California is cutting as much as it is out of our schools.
Thank you so much for this, I will pass it on to my friends on facebook if that is ok!
This is Carrie Reply:
March 11th, 2011 at 2:02 pm
Of course it’s okay to share! It is because of the CA cuts in art education that I teach these volunteer art classes at our local elementary school. I think all children need it as part of their education.
My kids and I did this last year and it was so fun and incredibly soothing. Not to mention the finished products were very beautiful.
Twitter: janettetoygaroo
March 11, 2011 at 1:18 pm
I remember studying Georges Seurat in Art History class and I recognized that photo from the Art History Book and from slides we were shown in class. I was a Graphic Design major in case you are curious. I like the kids versions of his paintings. I wonder if you have used something thinner that a q-tip to really resemble his style. Glad they had fun with it.
This is Carrie Reply:
March 11th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
You could definitely use something finer. Even a fine tipped paintbrush. But I really wanted the kids to be able to fill the (1/2)page in the 30 minutes we had to work on the project. With the q-tip, most were able to do it. With an older child, I would definitely try something smaller.
Janette
Twitter: janettetoygaroo
Reply:
March 11th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
Ok okay. That makes sense then. It seems like a ton of fun. pointillism is a great way to paint. It gives a child a new approach of painting.
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