Fifth Grade Art Lesson 22

Looking At "Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh Part 2 Van Gogh's Brush Strokes

Objective:

The student will be familiar with the characteristic style of Vincent Van Gogh's painting.

Materials:

Last lesson's work, primary color and black and white acrylic paint, narrow brushes, copy of Starry Night

Procedure:

Today we want to complete our Van Gogh-style painting. If you could see his painting in real life, you would notice his thick use with short brush strokes of built-up paint across the entire canvas. If you were able to run your hands across it, you could feel the texture of his brush strokes. We are going to imitate his style by simply taking our brush and dabbing it in the colors we need. Do not mix your colors to make one solid colors, but rather let the mixing take place on the canvas. Begin with your whites and yellows around the moon and the stars. Resist the temptation to make long flowing strokes. Keep using short, quick movements with your brush. Slowly build up your color using blues, greens, and some black. Refer to the actual painting often to help you know where to put what color. Your finished work may likely be rather heavy, filled with paint, and visible brush strokes. Set your paintings aside to dry.

Conclusion:

Working from a masterpiece is an excellent way to become familiar with any particular artist's style as well as giving you an opportunity to try a different style in your own painting. Mount and display if desired.

Artwork and Examples used in this lesson

“Starry Night”, by Vincent Van Gogh

Teachers Example

Student Artwork