European Famous Artists Unit Study | 19-20th Centuries

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We all know how overwhelming it is for homeschool parents to juggle multiple subjects or for a teacher to be swamped with lesson plans. So it’s not surprising that sometimes it’s easy for arts to get pushed aside. Maybe you’re unsure how to start introducing famous paintings, or talk about visual arts, or you don’t have access to the resources and materials you’d like.

You’re not alone. Many parents and teachers face similar hurdles—lack of time, limited art supplies, and not knowing how to make different artists and their works accessible to children. But what if there was an easy way to inspire creativity while providing a deep dive into the art world?

Using a famous artists unit study simplifies things, especially when time is limited, and you’d rather focus on teaching and exploring with your kids than searching through countless resources. Instead of getting lost trying to piece together a cohesive, open-and-go lesson plan, I’ve created one for you. My 5 European Famous Artists Unit Study covers the most influential artists and art movements of the 19th and 20th centuries, featuring kid-safe, curated artworks, essential information, and all the supplies you’ll need in one place.

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The Value of Studying Art History for Kids

But why does learning about Impressionism or Cubism matter to kids today? The answer is simple: art tells the story of human experience. Just like history, art captures the thoughts, dreams, and struggles of real people who lived, invented, and created. Famous artists like Claude Monet, Georges Seurat, or Pablo Picasso weren’t just painters—they were individuals who reflected the world around them. Their works, lives, and struggles help children understand the context of different time periods, allowing them to see how life, politics, and culture influenced creativity.

Just like science, with the atomic theory evolution for example, art grew and evolved, with each movement building on what came before it. For example, the shift from the detailed realism of the Renaissance to the bright, expressive colors of Impressionism reflects the growing desire to capture emotion and light, rather than exact representation. Then, movements like Cubism pushed those boundaries further, showing how art could break objects down into geometric forms and multiple perspectives, much like how new scientific discoveries challenged the world’s understanding of reality.

Studying art history can even improve critical thinking and creativity. According to research, analyzing works of art teaches children to interpret different viewpoints, ask questions, and express ideas in new ways. These skills are invaluable in today’s world, where problem-solving and creativity are at the forefront of education and innovation. When children explore the different styles of art, they learn that there isn’t just one way to view the world or express ideas—there are many.

Ultimately, understanding art movements connects kids not just to famous paintings but to the human stories behind them. It teaches them that art, like science, constantly evolves, pushing boundaries and inspiring change.

Making Art History Accessible for Young Children

Teaching art doesn’t need to be a big, intimidating production. Here’s how you can make art history engaging and hands-on, even if you’re short on time or resources:

1. Start Small with Picture Study:

• What to do: Pick a famous painting, print a copy (even from a website), and tape it to the fridge or classroom wall. Encourage your kids to simply look at it every day for a week. Don’t explain too much—just ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think is happening here?” or “How do the colors make you feel?”
• Why it works: This builds familiarity and comfort with looking at art. No formal lesson needed—just natural curiosity.

2. Focus on One Artist for a Week:

• What to do: Choose a famous artist like Vincent van Gogh and make him your “artist of the week.” Read a simple children’s book about him, display one of his paintings, and work in a fun fact or quote from the artist during snack time or while doing daily tasks.
• Why it works: Repetition and casual exposure build deeper understanding. This approach gives you flexibility without the pressure to sit down for formal “art lessons.”

3. Build an Artist Study Routine:

• What to do: Set up a routine, like “Artist Tuesdays,” where every week your kids learn about a different artist. One week, look at Monet and try a quick project like painting with watercolors. The next week, focus on Seurat and use cotton swabs for pointillism.
• Why it works: A routine makes art part of your regular schedule, and keeping projects short (20-30 minutes) makes it manageable.

4. Make Art Fun and Active:

• What to do: With young kids, get physical! Turn Cubism into a game. Grab some old cardboard or paper, cut shapes, and let kids “build” their own Picasso-style figure by arranging shapes on the floor. They can create abstract art without needing to draw!
• Why it works: Younger children love activities that involve movement, and this lets them explore abstract ideas without requiring advanced skills.

5. Bring Art into the Real World:

• What to do: Plan a short trip to a local art museum, but keep it simple. Choose just one or two pieces to focus on, and let your child tell you what they see. Ask them to find shapes, colors, or even emotions in the art.
• Why it works: Real-world experience with art makes it tangible. Museums can be intimidating for kids, but if you only focus on a few things, it keeps them engaged and excited to return.

6. Combine Art with Other Subjects:

• What to do: Tie art into what your child is already learning. Studying history? Introduce Picasso’s Guernica and discuss how art can tell the story of war. Learning about science? Talk about how Monet captured light, much like how scientists observe nature.
• Why it works: This makes art relevant. Kids start to see that art isn’t separate from other things they study—it’s connected to everything, from social studies to science.

5 European Famous Artists Unit Study: An In-Depth Exploration

The 5 European Famous Artists Unit Study is designed to help children explore and connect with pivotal artists from the 19th and 20th centuries. I chose Claude Monet, Georges Seurat, Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso because their work shaped movements like Impressionism, Pointillism, Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism, movements that changed how art is viewed and understood today.

These artists reflect key shifts in art history. Monet and the Impressionists transformed how artists captured light and emotion. Seurat’s revolutionary Pointillism introduced scientific precision to art. Van Gogh redefined expression with his emotional Post-Impressionism, and Matisse’s bold use of color in Fauvism paved the way for new forms of expression. Picasso shattered conventions with Cubism, challenging how we see the world around us. I feel that teaching these movements gives kids a broad understanding of how creativity can evolve and grow from one generation to the next.

What’s Inside the Unit Study

This unit study has everything you need, whether you’re looking for a quick overview of famous artists or want to dive deeper. I’ve included read-aloud information to discuss with your kids, along with QR codes to kid-friendly resources if you want to explore more about the artist’s life or their role in shaping an art movement. You’ll also find book recommendations, coloring pages, and a unique art project idea for each artist, providing a well-rounded, hands-on experience.

• Artist Information Cards: Detailed profiles of each artist, their life, and their contribution to their respective art movements.
• Art Movement Facts: Clear explanations of how each movement started and why it was significant.
• Famous Works Discussion: In-depth explorations of 4-6 famous paintings per artist, giving context to each work.
• Hands-On Projects: Creative activities that mimic the styles of the artists, from Impressionist landscapes to Cubist portraits.
• Coloring Pages: Creative coloring sheets focusing on both the artists and their works.
• Project Templates and Resources: Printable cards, supply lists, and resource guides to further extend learning.

Hands-On Projects and How to Make Art Fun

Practical, hands-on projects are the best way to help kids truly connect with art. They don’t need to be complicated, expensive, or require advanced art skills. The goal is to give kids a way to physically engage with the artist’s life and art movement through projects that spark creativity and reinforce what they’re learning.

In my Famous Artists Unit Study, we explore five world-renowned European artists: Claude Monet, Georges Seurat, Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso. Each artist brings something new to the table, from Impressionism to Cubism, and I’ve crafted fun, hands-on projects to help your kids dive into their art movements in a meaningful way.

Recommended Resources for Teaching Art

If you want to further enrich your child’s exploration of art history, here are some valuable resources that will complement the 5 European Famous Artists Unit Study:

Books for Kids

• The MET Series: These beautifully illustrated books are a great introduction to famous artists and their works. The MET Kids series includes titles like What Can You Do with a Palette Knife? and The Met 500: A Visual Journey through Art.
• Scholastic’s Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists Series: Scholastic offers accessible books like Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists, which introduces children to famous artists through engaging storytelling and colorful illustrations. It’s perfect for younger learners and can supplement lessons from the unit study.

Museum Websites for Kids

• The Louvre (France): The Louvre’s Kids section offers interactive tours and games, making art history fun and approachable. Kids can explore famous works like the Mona Lisa from home.
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art (USA): MetKids is a fantastic resource with interactive features, videos, and activities designed specifically for children.
• Rijksmuseum (Netherlands): They offer a wonderful Rijksstudio section where kids can explore high-quality images of famous artworks, including pieces by Van Gogh and Rembrandt.

Educational Apps and Websites

• DailyArt: This app offers a daily dose of art history with images of famous paintings, artist facts, and interesting stories behind the artworks.
• Tate Kids: Featuring games, quizzes, and creative activities, Tate Kids is perfect for children to explore art in an interactive way.

Art Cards for Kids

Purchasing art cards featuring famous paintings is a great way to introduce kids to masterpieces. Art cards sets offer small, portable cards featuring famous works that kids can study and use for discussions, making art more interactive. You can use these cards for activities like matching or sequencing paintings chronologically.

Additional Resources

• Local Libraries: Your local library can be an invaluable resource for borrowing books and resources on famous artists. Many libraries also offer digital collections of art and interactive online resources.
• Printable Art Posters: Display printable posters of famous works around your home or classroom to inspire daily art discussions. Choose works that align with the current artists you’re studying.

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Art Museum Visits and How to Prepare Kids for the Experience

A visit to an art museum can be an incredible experience for kids, transforming their understanding of art from abstract to tangible, but it works better if you plan a little. Here are a few practical ways to prepare:

• Pre-visit discussions: Before the trip, talk about the variety of art styles they’ll encounter. For younger children, introduce the idea that art can be more than just paintings—it can be sculptures, installations, or even abstract pieces. For older kids, discuss what they’ve learned about different techniques and movements like Pointillism or Cubism.
• Set expectations by age: Explain that museums are places for quiet observation. Younger children may enjoy short sessions, focusing on just a few artworks, while older kids can explore for longer periods with more detailed discussions. You might want to prepare a checklist or scavenger hunt for them to look for specific elements, like different brushstrokes or types of art supplies.
• Interactive questioning during the visit: Engage them by asking questions like, “What do you think this piece is about?” or “How does it make you feel?” Encourage them to describe what they notice without over-explaining. This method helps kids learn how to look at art critically and appreciate its depth.
• Post-visit reflection: Afterward, ask them to create a piece inspired by what they saw. It could be a quick sketch, a digital presentation, or even a discussion about their favorite works. This reinforces what they’ve learned and keeps the momentum of creativity going.

Picture study is a particularly powerful method for young kids. Observing real works of art in person allows them to experience texture, scale, and technique in ways that books or screens can’t provide. It’s a fantastic way to solidify what they’ve learned, building a lasting connection to art.

Wrapping Up

Bringing the world of famous artists and art history to children doesn’t have to be complicated. With a thoughtful balance of hands-on projects, artist stories, and practical activities, the 5 European Famous Artists Unit Study provides a comprehensive way to explore Impressionism, Cubism, and other pivotal art movements.

Teaching art is more than studying paintings—it’s about showing kids how to express themselves, explore ideas, and connect with history in meaningful ways.

How do you teach art in your homeschool? Let me know in the comments I’d love to talk more.

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