I'm finding it very challenging to find books about artists suitable to a 3.5 year old (even a mature one) at the library. We did find a fiction one on Michelangelo; hence his feature on our Artists and Art. However, the book was a bit disappointing in terms of learning about the sculptor/painter.
After reading the book Michelangelo's Surprise
, looking at some of the paintings of the Sistine Chapel, and rereading the little blurb about him in Discovering Great Artists: Hands-On Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters 
, we painted on paper that I'd taped under the table and pretended we were Michelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel. It's an easy project, though a bit messy. I've done it with my third graders who delighted in splattering paint all over themselves. You can turn it into a non-messy project by using crayons or colored pencils, chalk or oil pastel; but, you will be removing a lot of the fun factor (for the child) from the experience!
, looking at some of the paintings of the Sistine Chapel, and rereading the little blurb about him in Discovering Great Artists: Hands-On Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters , we painted on paper that I'd taped under the table and pretended we were Michelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel. It's an easy project, though a bit messy. I've done it with my third graders who delighted in splattering paint all over themselves. You can turn it into a non-messy project by using crayons or colored pencils, chalk or oil pastel; but, you will be removing a lot of the fun factor (for the child) from the experience!I didn't photograph this project as I didn't want to risk getting paint on my new camera as we painted upside down - all three of us, even the toddler! (I was feeling brave!)
If you've done any art with your child this week based on an artist or illustration style, or taught some of the elements and principles of art, or studied a musician or any other type of artist, please join the Linky. Please remember to link back.
Comments are appreciated, especially if you link up!
This post also linked to stART
and to Read.Explore.Learn
Sounds like a fun activity under the table :) The book looks interesting too.
ReplyDeleteHehe. Cool! Now this is something I could do!
ReplyDeleteThat does sound like fun! I'll have to use that idea. Anything that involves making a mess is fun for JR and Asher. :)
ReplyDeleteHave you looked at Laurence Anholt's books? I've found them pretty engaging with 3.5 year olds. The underthe table painting is always a big hit here too!
ReplyDeleteThank you Chelsea for the recommendation. We have read some of his books, but our library only has three of his art titles.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like too much fun to pass up! I wonder how K would do as she's resistent to gettung herself dirty.
ReplyDeleteBear was remarkably tidy about it. J-jo got paint everywhere:)
ReplyDeleteWe too have all of the Laurence Anholt books and the Katie books as well, and I am always looking for new books to share with my daughter. Thanks for the suggestion for Michelangelo. I buy most of the art books on Amazon, because they are super cheap there and my library system has a small collection and interlibrary loan costs more than buying the books on Amazon. I have found some great books on Warhol, Dali, O'Keefe and Sophie's favorite impressionists and a few others. I would be glad to send you the titles if you would like.
ReplyDeleteWhat we do when studying new works of art is check out a youth non-fiction book and then a picture book (usually fictional about the artist). We typically look at the pictures mainly with the non fiction book, reading captions here and there, and then read the fiction book several times.
I am sorry we have not linked up to you before...I always read and look forward to Tuesdays, but never seem to have time to get a post written about what we did during the week.
Susan