Artists Paint Parents and Children

1. Artists Paint Parents and Children Kindergarten Art Docent Program - Earhart Elementary School

2. Mary Cassatt[1845 -1926]was born to a wealthy Pennsylvania family. She studied with artists in Paris. She loved to paint about women and children. She received the French Legion of Honor during her lifetime, but was only recognized in America after her death. The Bath This little girl is having a “sponge bath.” Back then, people had to heat their bath water on a stove. Nowadays, we are so lucky that we can take baths in a tub or a shower. Do you like to dangle your feet in water? Have you ever sat on your mom’s lap in this same position? What do you see first when you look at this picture? Can you find some patterns and shapes in this picture?

3. Louis Le Nain[1593- 1648]was one of three brothers, all artists, who were born into a French peasant family. They went to Paris in 1629. Their works all tend to look like each other’s works. They liked to paint genre – pictures of common folks in daily activities. Family of Peasants This family lived more than 300 years ago. Do we still dress like that? What do the women have on their heads? What does the man have on his head? What do you see on the floor? Can you find the profile of a little girl in the background? How many people do you see? Any pets?

4. Domenico Ghirlandaio[1449- 1494]was an Italian painter. Among his many apprentices was Michelangelo. He liked to use bright color. He was very skilled at painting texture. Old Man and Grandson Can you feel the tender love from their eyes? What same color are they wearing? What do you see outside the window? Do you have any pictures of you with your grandparents? How old you think that boy is?

5. Raphael[1482 - 1520]was the youngest of the three most famous artists of the Italian Renaissance. He was influenced by the other two, Michelangelo and Leonardo. His talent was recognized when he was only 12 years old. He painted many portraits and religius pictures. The Alba Madonna This is a round picture, and called a tondo. Do you know who is the lady in the picture? [Madonna – the mother of Jesus] What type shoes she is wearing? What is she holding in her left hand? Can you feel that she loves her two boys?

6. Charles Alston[1907 - 1977]was born in North Carolina. He received degrees from Columbia University and studied at New Year University, Pratt Institute and New York Art Student League. Family No. 1 What is the boy holding in his hand? What do you think the shape behind the father could be? What do you think is behind the woman’s head? [Window? Doorway?] Do you have any family pictures with everyone sitting or standing like this?

7. Berthe Morisot[1841 - 1895]was a woman artist lived in France over 100 years ago. She was the daughter of a wealthy government official. She specialized in gentle domestic scenes painted in a delicate Impressionist stye. The Cradle This is a picture of the artist’s sister, Edma, and her newborn child. Do any of you have new little sisters or brothers? What is the baby doing in this picture? Have you napped in a basket like this? Do you think the mother is rocking her baby to sleep? What are the main colors in this picture?

8. Amedeo Modigliani[1884 - 1920]was born in Italy of Jewish parentage. He was handsome, talented, and sensitive, but suffered ill health. He was often penniless. His paintings usually show very sad people and are often painted with elongated and distorted proportions. Gypsy with Baby Does she appear to be happy or perhaps thoughtful? Do you think she is waiting for someone? What makes you think so? What is she holding? [Her infant] Is she seated or standing? [Seated] Do you think that her face, nose, and neck are too long? What colors did the artist use?

9. Examples