Visiting Vincent Van Gogh (Adventures in Art)
#2 in Artistic adventures Series
on Goodreads (16)
What’s inside...
Depicts some of Van Gogh's most characteristic paintings, and explains how they reveal the stages in his life, his experiences, and his emotions.
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience while looking at Van Gogh's paintings in the book?
Why do you think Van Gogh chose such bright colors and bold strokes in his artwork?
How do you think Van Gogh felt when he was creating his art?
If you could ask Vincent Van Gogh one question, what would it be?
Which painting from the book is your favorite and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, browse through the book's illustrations with your child and ask them what they notice about the colors and shapes.
While discussing the book, relate Van Gogh’s dedication to art to your child’s interests, encouraging them to talk about what they're passionate about.
Ask your child to describe their favorite artwork from the book and use follow-up questions to delve deeper into their thoughts and feelings about the piece.
Encourage your child to create their own piece of art inspired by Van Gogh's style, discussing the similarities and differences between their work and Van Gogh's.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Art
Explanation: The story navigates the vibrant world of Vincent Van Gogh, exposing young readers to famous artworks and the emotions they evoke.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and interpret different forms of artistic expression, which can enhance their observational skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Persistence in the face of adversity
Explanation: Vincent Van Gogh's life story within the book highlights his perseverance despite numerous challenges, illustrating how he continued to create impactful art.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the value of persistence and hard work, encouraging them to continue striving towards their goals despite difficulties.
Example Lesson: Understanding Emotions
Explanation: Through exploring Van Gogh's emotional depth in his artworks, children can see how art can serve as a reflection of the artist's feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by using creative outlets like drawing or painting to express and manage their own emotions.
Example Lesson: Empathy development
Explanation: The book provides a look into Van Gogh’s personal struggles and triumphs, helping children to understand and empathize with different perspectives.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop empathy, enabling them to better understand and connect with the feelings of others in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: As the story introduces children to the Dutch culture and history associated with Van Gogh, it enriches their cultural knowledge.
Real-World Application: This fosters an appreciation for diversity and can ignite an interest in learning about different cultures and histories beyond their own.