Art~ Week 1

This week in art we talked about Jan Van Eyck. He was a famous artists from the late Renaissance time period. He is one of the most significant Northern Renaissance painters of the 15th century. Van Eyck was a devout Catholic and his artwork shows his love for his faith.

The Man in a Turban

He painted both secular and religious paintings. He painted commissioned portraits, donor portraits (often with the donor kneeling before the Blessed Virgin Mary), and small and large altar pieces. At one time he was thought to have been the creator of oil paints, but we now know he was not. He did master the use of oil paints. His innovative use and manipulation of oil paints helped grow his reputation as a talented artist. 

He was a well paid artists, so he had the ability to use his artistic talent freely. 

The Ghent Altarpiece

He often painted single panels, diptychs, triptychs, or polyptychs.

Dresden Triptych

The Blessed Virgin Mary was often a subject of his paintings. She was often seated, wearing a jeweled crown, and holding a playful baby Jesus. 

He usually would give Mary three roles....

Mother of Christ

The Personification of the Ecclesia Triumphans

Queen of Heaven

Madonna and the Chancellor Rolin

Madonna in the Church

So in class today, the students worked on creating a triptych! We took poster board and divided into three panels. One large middle panel with two small panels on each side. The students thought about the subject of their painting and began drawing.

Next week, the students will paint their drawings.

Here are two links for more information about Jan Van Eyck geared for children.
Jan Van Eyck: A Children's Biography  ~ This gives some wonderful information!
Art Smarts 4 Kids