Art History: Art Recreation Challenge Lesson Goal: Students will closely observe a piece of art and replicate the color, shapes, and forms they notice using ordinary items.
Assignment: Recreate a famous painting using household items! This is a fun virtual challenge inspired by the Getty Challenge created by the Getty Center in Los Angeles. Below is an example made by a family. They used wooden beads, Play Doh and carrot slices to replicate Vincent Van Gogh’s painting “Irises”.
Activity: 1. Choose a piece of artwork to focus on. You may pick from the pre-selected images on the second page or do your own search using the museum links with a guardian.
2. Observe the piece of art and brainstorm verbally or on paper what you may have to replicate the image.
Some things to think about… - What is the focus of the artwork?
- Are there people in the art, if so, what are they wearing? What does their facial expression look like? How are they posed?
- What colors and/or texture do you notice in the art? What do you have that might be able to replicate what you see?
3. Start recreating and have fun! This is a great time to work on your project with a family member.
4. Take a photo of your work and share!
Reflection: Take some time to reflect verbally with a family member or individually on paper.
Guiding Questions: What was the most difficult part of the artmaking process? What is the most successful part of your recreation? (a certain object, color, space, etc.) Would you pick the same piece of artwork again? Why or Why not? Did you start to look at the artwork differently when you knew you were going to replicate it? How so?
Picking a Piece of Art to Replicate Check out the resources below to pick a painting to replicate. Already have a piece of artwork in mind? Go for it! What is most important is finding a piece that will inspire you.
Sunflowers, Vincent Van Gogh, 1889 American Gothic, Grant Wood, 1930
The Great Wave, Katsushika Hokusai, 1830-32 Christina’s World, Andrew Wyeth, 1948
Museum Links: *It is advised to have a parent/guardian help look through museum collections. The Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Museum of Modern Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art