Monet's Japanese Bridge

In addition to my Children's Book Art classes, this session I am offering 2 Mini Modern Artist classes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders. We will be creating our own works of art inspired by some of the great artists of the late 19th and 20th centuries. While Monet may not be considered a "modern" artist I wanted to start with Impressionism before focusing on Cubism or Abstract art. I will discuss how the Impressionists were radicals of their time, leaving their art studios to paint in the open air with visible brushstrokes.

I found the basic idea for these bridges on Artsonia. Starting with a large sheet of colored construction paper, fold in half. Using the side of an oil pastel, shade around the paper. I will have them use several colors different from their paper. Next paint trees, leaves, bushes and flowers above the fold line. After each application of paint, fold the paper in half and rub to create the reflection of folliage in the water. A simple bridge shape can be then painted and folded for the last print. For the final step, paint lily pads and lilies on the bottom half of the paper. I think this project is accessible for my younger children, but still focuses on the idea of reflection and the visible brush strokes of Monet's bridge which he painted many times from 1899-1923.