Lessons in Sunflower Art
Although flowers are a common and popular subject for still life drawings and paintings as well as impressionist and abstract work, the most famous use of sunflowers is that of acclaimed artist Vincent van Gogh. Van Gogh created an entire series of sunflower paintings in which a simple vase full of cheerful sunflowers rests on a plain table top. To teach students about sunflower art, first have them study the works of Van Gogh.
Other People Are Reading
-
Comparisons
-
To help the students fully understand and appreciate the mastery in the Van Gogh sunflower painting series, place two sunflower pictures side by side. Many of the sunflower series paintings are extremely similar, however, there are minor variances that set them apart, as noted on the Van Gogh Gallery website. Distribute the side-by-side prints of the two paintings to the students and instruct them to circle the differences between the two. This will give them an appreciation of the consistency of the work as well as a more in-depth understanding of the characteristics of the work itself.
Field Trip
-
Take the students to a garden or field where sunflowers are growing. This allows the students to gain new perspectives on the flowers growing in their natural environment. Instruct them to view the flowers at a distance and to also approach the flowers to view the finer details and elements of the sunflowers. Invite the students to take photos of the flowers that they can use later for inspiration.
-
Sketching a Still Life
-
Place several vases filled with sunflowers at the front of the room. Instruct the students to position themselves in a spot that has a clear view of one of the sunflower bouquets. Direct the students to sketch the sunflowers, using only pencil. Have the students sketch the flowers with a specific process. Have the students start by drawing the vase and the center area of the flowers. Once this is complete, instruct them to incorporate the rest of the flowers and the table on which they are placed.
Sketching From Memory
-
To give the sunflowers a more whimsical look similar to the famous Van Gogh sunflowers, remove the bouquets of sunflowers for the next lesson. Instruct the students to sketch the flowers, using only pencil, from their imaginations. Advise them to use the same process as the day before, beginning with the vase and center of the flowers, then moving on to the flower petals and then to the background. Encourage the students to focus more on being creative than being anatomically accurate. The flowers and/or the vase itself can become subject to the artist's impression of it.
Adding Color
-
For the final sunflower lesson, allow the students to incorporate the use of color to their drawing. Invite the students to draw from memory again to create a sketch of a vase filled with sunflowers. Use a canvas for this lesson in lieu of simple sketching paper. Once the initial sketch or outline is achieved, supply them with some oil pastels to create their own sunflower masterpiece. Van Gogh used primarily, yellows, oranges, greens, tans and browns in his work, so give the students these same options as well.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
