The Art Wall

Teaching "Art Class" Using Art Postcards

In our home, "the art wall" is a place where an artist is showcased for a period of time. Several major works are placed on a designated wall in the form of postcards or small posters, the titles of the works are placed underneath them, and information about the artist put up as well. Most times the postcards will tell you what medium the artist worked in -- oils, water colors, etc. That information is placed on the wall as well.

For example, this month's (January 2008) artist on our art wall is John William Waterhouse.

The works included are:

• Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May
• Miranda, The Tempest
• Study from La Belle Dame Sans Merci
• The Awakening of Adonis

The benefits of maintaining an art wall are many. Not only do the children learn to recognize the style of the artist being studied, but they place that person on their own mental timeline. In addition, many paintings lead into studies of various literary works and historical events. For example, this particular set of works leads to studies of Greek mythology, John Keats, William Shakespeare, and Robert Herrick and the meaning of carpe diem.

Your student could select a photo representative of each artist and, over time, make an art history timeline.

I am always on the lookout for art-themed postcards at thrift stores, but other places to look are book stores, print and poster shops, museums, art galleries, and little gift shops. They are usually only 75 cents to 3 dollars apiece.

We encourage study of the art wall by printing out our simple Art Notes Form for the children to fill out from time to time. We also print one out as a final exam before we change to another artist. The forms can be kept as a part of the student's permanent portfolio.

Another thing I always do is to keep my eyes open for nice art books at good prices in thrift stores and used book stores. Art books are great to keep around the house. My children, once interested, will sit and look at pictures in art books and soak up a lot of detail without even realizing it. Great art stirs the mind and the soul and causes children and adults alike to really think.

On the coffee table now:
The Life, Times and Art of Michelangelo
Dr. Enzo Orlandi, Editor
and
100 Details from Pictures in The National Gallery London
Kenneth Clark

Have fun if you decide to create your own art wall!

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