Preschool Vincent Van Gogh Famous Artist Lesson
Starry Night Water Chalk Drawing Art Activity for Children
Sep 25, 2009
Dipping regular classroom or sidewalk child into water can be a fun filled, playful activity for toddlers and preschool aged children. As the child draws, the chalk colors (aided by the water) become vibrant and full of life. This early childhood art lesson plan will give any teacher a starting off point to create a classroom full of star lit skies. Use this lesson in conjunction with a famous artist unit on Vincent Van Gogh to increase learning outcomes.
Starry Night Art Lesson Objectives
- Increase knowledge on art and artists.
- Improve fine motor skills.
- Explore art materials and process.
- Build color recognition skills.
- Develop an art vocabulary.
- Increase awareness of the natural world (this may include the environment and science)
Age/ Grade Level
This art activity may be used with children ages two and up. Before trying this activity with very young children (under the age of three) check all materials labels for age guidelines. Do not try this project with children who regularly place objects (such as the chalk) in the mouth.
Materials Needed to Create Water Chalk Art with Young Children
- Black or dark blue construction paper
- Chalk in a variety of colors and sizes
- Cups filled with water
Steps to Create Chalk Drawings in the Early Childhood Classroom
Pre-activity
Prior to beginning this art activity, take some time to introduce the artist (Vincent Van Gogh) and art concepts (water chalk drawing) to the class. It may be helpful in introducing Van Gogh to read a children’s book based on this famous artist’s work. Only include age appropriate subject matter. Show reproductions of his art, making sure to include The Starry Night.
Ask the class to discuss The Starry Night, in terms of what is viewed. Gently move the discussion into stars and science. This is an excellent opportunity to begin an early astronomy unit. Talk about what starts are, the sun, and solar systems.
Process Steps
- Place cups of water on tables or the workspace for the children to share. Invite the children to dip the chalk part way into the water.
- Once the chalk is wet, the children can draw starts onto the black or dark blue construction paper. Encourage the children to use multiple colors, and make stars of varying shapes and sizes.
- After the children have sufficiently explored and experimented with the water chalk star drawing, invite the class to start a second picture that is inspired by Van Gogh’s Starry Night. This can include lines and curves that swoop around the night sky. It is not necessary for the children’s art work to look like the Van Gogh rendering. The main objective is to make a mental connection between what is viewed and what is created.
Starry Night Lesson Wrap Up
After the children have finished drawing with the water chalk, have a mini art show and share. Hang the night sky drawings on a wall or bulletin board and ask the children to discuss what was made. Ask specific questions about the art process, materials used, the night sky, and the famous artist that was discussed.
Classroom Enrichment Activities
- Science: Use this activity as the beginning of a more in depth look at astronomy.
- Math: Ask the children to count how many stars are in each sky.
- Famous Artists: Try similar projects based on work by other famous artists.
- Field Trip: Take a field trip to a local museum to look at original art.
Using water chalk to create unique works of art based on Van Gogh’s famous The Starry Night is a great way to introduce multiple concepts to the young student. Early learners can benefit from one of the many lessons included in this activity. Famous artists, science, and art process are all integral parts to this project that promote learning opportunities.
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