Apple Art

LESSON 5

Children observe and create a still life apple portrait inspired by the artist Henri Matisse and Paul Cezanne.

Introduce the concept of still life paintings inspired by fruits like apples, fostering an appreciation for art and its connection to nature.
Facilitate a discussion about different still life artworks, guiding students to observe and discuss the colors and shapes used in the paintings.
Present Henri Matisse's still life painting of apples as an example for the activity, promoting art appreciation and exposure to renowned artists.
Assist students in creating a simplified version of the chosen painting, using a black crayon to outline shapes.
Encourage students to engage in a creative painting process, providing opportunities for self-expression and experimentation with color.

Children observe a few apples, focusing on their diverse colors and intricate details.
Children learn that fruits, like apples, have inspired artists to create still life paintings.
Children appreciate and discuss various still life artworks.
Children transform into still life artists, creating their own interpretation of a still life painting inspired by Henri Matisse's work.
Children create a simplified version of the chosen still life painting, developing their fine motor skills.
Children engage in a creative painting activity, expressing themselves through color choices and attempting to replicate the hues observed in real apples.

Collect and Connect

Apples, Oh, Apples

Apples, oh, apples

Rosy and round,

Fall and tumble,

All over the ground.

Don’t roll too far,

And hide your bright face.

For in my basket,

I will find you a place.

Begin by placing a few apples on the table, encouraging your child to closely observe the varying colors and small details of each apple. Introduce the concept that fruits, such as apples, have inspired artists to create still life paintings. Explain that a still life painting involves carefully arranging objects like fruits, flowers, or everyday items in a painted composition while keeping them still and unmoving. Spend a moment appreciating and discussing the still life artwork linked here, discussing the colors and shapes utilized in each piece.
After enjoying the artwork together, tell your child that they get to become a still life artist for the day. Direct your attention to this painting by Henri Matisse, taking a moment to observe his still life portrait of apples. Using a black crayon, create a simplified version of the artwork on watercolor paper for your child to paint. For older children, allow them the opportunity to draw the shapes using the black crayon.
Following this, allow your child to paint the apples how they choose. Feel free to paint alongside your child, engaging in discussions about the colors being used and attempting to replicate some of the hues observed in the actual apples from step 1. Once both you and your child have completed the paintings, set them aside to dry before selecting a place to showcase your artistic creations.