Core Skills Analysis
Visual Arts
- Explored artistic techniques and styles characteristic of Claude Monet, such as impressionism, brushstroke usage, and colour blending by watching a YouTube video.
- Gained hands-on experience by creating personal artwork inspired by Monet, helping to internalise his artistic methods and aesthetic principles.
- Developed observational skills and appreciation for art history through independent research on Monet’s works displayed in the national art gallery.
- Enhanced visual literacy by comparing interpretations of Monet's paintings with their own artwork and understanding the context of his pieces in a national collection.
Tips
To deepen the student’s understanding and connection with Monet and impressionism, encourage experimenting with different impressionist techniques such as painting en plein air or using dabs of complementary colours. Visiting a local art gallery or museum that features impressionist works can provide valuable real-world exposure and inspire discussion about the influence of environment and lighting in paintings. Integrating a historical timeline activity on Monet’s life and key works will contextualize his impact on art. Additionally, introducing the student to other impressionist artists and encouraging comparative analyses can broaden their artistic horizons and critical thinking.
Book Recommendations
- Claude Monet: Masterpieces of Impressionism by Elizabeth Partridge: A richly illustrated biography that explores Monet’s life, his artistic development, and the key works of impressionism suitable for young readers.
- Painting the Impressionist Way by Marion Boddy-Evans: A practical guide to impressionist techniques including step-by-step painting activities that align with Monet-inspired art projects.
- The National Gallery: Kids’ Guide to Monet by National Gallery of Australia: An engaging guide that dives into the story behind Monet’s paintings housed in the national gallery, designed for young art enthusiasts.
Learning Standards
- ACAVAM118 - Experiment with techniques and materials to explore visual conventions when making artworks in a particular style.
- ACAVAR120 - Use visual art conventions when making artworks that represent observations, experiences, imagination, including artworks inspired by other artists (e.g., Monet).
- ACADRR029 - Locate and select information and resources using ICT and other sources to assist in researching artworks and artists.
Try This Next
- Art technique worksheet: identify and practice different impressionist brushstroke styles used by Monet.
- Research project prompt: prepare a short presentation on a specific Monet artwork from the national gallery including historical context and artistic elements.