A is for Art
The "A" page in our art resource for the year, M is for Masterpiece, describes ART--mentioning the oldest known form of art, cave painting, the most well-known painting, the Mona Lisa, and one of the most well-known artists, Michelangelo. Below you'll find our thoughts and ideas on how to learn more about the art and artists mentioned, to appreciate their works, and to create some art of your own. We suggest you create narrations from your learning to add to your Book of Centuries.
Learn about the art:
Cave Art from Arthistory.com : A great overview of cave art and its uniqueness
The Mona Lisa Mystery: Speculation over Mona Lisa's smile has entertained artists, historians, and learners for as long as the painting has existed. What is it about that smile that is so mysterious? Look at family photos in which people are smiling. How would you describe their smiles? Are there clues in the photos as to why they are smiling? Try to smile mysteriously. Vote on which family memeber has the most mysterious smile. Let each family member propose his/her own theory of what Mona Lisa was smiling about. Read them aloud at dinner, and discuss the possibilities. Read Katie and the Mona Lisa together.
The Theft of the Mona Lisa: A fun tidbit from art history
Wikipedia article on Sistine Chapel ceiling: Interesting facts about Michelangelo's most famous works
Learn about the artists:
Michelangelo (Discovering the World's Great Artists)
Da Vinci (Getting to Know the World's Great Artists)
Admire the Art:
There are many ways to go about obtaining pictures to use for picture study. You can order prints from many online art stores or museum gift shops or use calendars or art books. We have had great success just printing our pictures at home and placing them in laminating sheets or page protectors.
The Cave of Lascaux: An interactive tour of the cave and its art. We could spend hours here!
Vatican Museum Virtual Tour: A virutal tour of the Sistine Chapel. Incredible.
Images:
Michelangelo's Last Judgement with many detail images
Image of Michelangelo's Daniel, before and after restoration
Michelangelo's Genesis with details
related activities in Discovering Great Artists
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