Line is a powerful element of art, and Mrs. Hayes’ fourth grade artists began the year exploring mark making by observing the incredible line drawings of Vincent van Gogh. Did you know that there are more than 1,000 of them? Van Gogh believed it was necessary to master black and white before working in color.
Fourth graders practiced recreating the lines they discovered using a variety of drawing mediums: pencil, pen, and marker. Students then selected a small area from one of the artist’s drawings for an observational drawing using the three mediums.
Students love learning about influential artists, both contemporary and from the past. Observational studies like this help young artists discover new techniques and give them a greater appreciation for art history.