Our artist this term has been Georgia O’Keeffe. I borrowed the book Georgia O’Keeffe (Library of American Art Series)
Our artist study methods have remained the same, year after year. Sprite studies a work of art for a minute or two and then without looking at it, narrates it verbally back. Sometimes she sketches in in broad strokes on scratch paper as she explains. Other times we discuss certain aspects in detail or delve into the background of the artist or the painting. But the norm is a quick three to five minute pause for art.
O’Keeffe Sketching
Over the years, Sprite has taken many art classes, but now at 12 her drawing abilities are blossoming rapidly. She has a wonderful art teacher and a generous grandma who has contributed some quality art pencils. (Thanks, Mom!) Because she is so motivated to sketch, our O’Keeffe study was punctuated with lots of drawing sessions.
O’Keeffe’s paintings of flowers, of course, led us to study a flower in detail. We grabbed the only thing blooming in the yard — a daffodil.
In The Annotated Mona Lisa, we read why Georgia O’Keeffe drew flowers so large. [Go over to The Notebooking Fairy to read her quote and download a free printable of it.]
She sketched apples and leaves, both in the style of O’Keeffe.
To be honest, I don’t plan out these sketching activities. They just happen. Sometimes I suggest a sketch, and others times Sprite thinks of it. (I don’t force Sprite to draw if she is not inspired. ) I have learned that artist study is something that flows nicely out of our daily picture studies without much advance preparation. And our schedule is loose enough that we can take an extra thirty minutes here and there to do some sketching. Often I read our history lessons out loud while she draws.
Although I cannot focus on words when I paint or draw, Sprite seems to have no problem with it at all. Her brain is wired very differently from mine! In fact, she seems to comprehend better when she is sculpting or drawing.
O’Keeffe Notebooking
Of course, part of our O’Keeffe study included notebooking pages about her life and style of art. Find these printables at The Notebooking Fairy:
Sprite’s narrations are based on what she observed herself, what we read in The Annotated Mona Lisa, and an excellent YouTube video.
Additional Resources for O’Keeffe
Picture Books
Activity Ideas
Paint a Close-Up with Georgia O’Keefe a magnifying glass
Practical Pages Sketches in the style of Georgia O’Keefe
Abstract Flowers Simple flower drawing activity.
Using an Artist for Inspiration Art for Homeschool blog shares a great reproduction activity.
Georgia O’Keefe Notebooking Page A black and white image of the artist with lines to write on.
Another great resource, which you may be aware of, to add to a unit study like this are the books “Discovering Great Artists: Hands on Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Maters” by M.F. Kohl and K. Solga and “Great American Artists for Kids: Hands on Art Experiences in the Styles of Great American Masters” by the same authors, we have used the later at home when doing American History, our homeschool co-op used both and the kids all had a blast and did some great art. the authors also have one that I haven’t used but would like to called “Storybook Art: Hands on Art for Children in the Styles of 100 Great Picture Book Illurstators” I could see this being a great follow up or lead in to lots of fun reading and or an author study and seeing how the artist adds to the story etc.
I love Georgia O’Keefes flowers! We studied her a couple years ago when we were traveling. We didn’t have much in the form of art supplies in the camper, but we managed to did around and find some paints and paper for the kids to create their own painting in her style. It turned out to be one of my favorite projects that year. 🙂 At the time there was an exhibit of hers in Tennessee that we had planned to see. Wouldn’t you know after all of our studying, we never made it to the exhibit? Go figure, huh?
Your sweet Sprite is so talented! She is blessed to have such a loving Mom!
Fun! O’Keefe is one of my favorite artists. I like the sketches I see on this post….GREAT job!
I love this artist…time to break out the pencils…I forget sometimes who is homeschooling who…lol kidding!
and to the student artist and her lovely artwork….Great Job!
Sprite’s sketches are very nice! I can’t WAIT to study O’Keefe because she is one of my favorites. We are currently studying Picasso and he’s fun too. 🙂
Her drawings are just amazing. And I love how artist studies are just so natural for you guys. I
I’m taking my first art class ever this semester and impressed with Sprite’s apples! GREAT job!
Another Precisionist artists we enjoyed studying (briefly) was Charles Demuth! His “No. 5” painting is very recognizable.
I love how you do art! It looks like we’ll be homeschooling again next year (yeah!) and I think I might try your method of art study. 🙂
Jimmie,
Sprite IS very talented! I imagine she gets this from her mother – did you do this lesson along with her? You should post some of your work as well. 🙂
Thanks for your post!
We just had the pleasure of studying her and her works last month. The boys thoroughly enjoyed her unique style and expression of the world around her!
What a lovely blog!
Georgia O’Keeffe is one of my favorites.
I’m writing a unit study on the American Girl Doll Josefina and including Georgia O’Keeffe as part of the art study. I would love to include a link to your page if that is ok. I’m looking forward to reading lots more of your posts. Thanks for all your work & for sharing it!