Here is an easy way to add a quick art appreciation lesson into your day. Download this free Art in the Classroom Manet Poster with activities from the National Gallery of Art.
The download features a beautiful printable of The Railway by Edouard Manet. The second page tells the story of the work of art and a bit about how the artist went about his work. Then follow three activities that encourage interacting with the art:
- Observe and describe (or narrate).
- Ask questions.
- Create a poem based on observations and questions (format provided).
Simple.
If you haven’t tried including art appreciation in your mix, here is a very easy, hand-holding way to get started. And it’s free!
Update: This resource is no longer available, so we are linking to an archived version.
Free Resource
Other Selected Works
You can use the same three activities in the lesson with these other Manet works. Be sure to keep each painting in sight for a week or so before switching.
Additional Resources
7 Ideas for Picture Study
If you have more time, you can incorporate one or more of these ideas.
Artist Notebooking Set
Free simple pages for drawing or narrating a work of art and documenting the artist and his works.
Manet: The Railway Notebooking Pages
Simple pages for narrations, writing the poem, or other art study information.
Keep Reading
Monthly Art Appreciation Lessons Free ~ Part 5
Free monthly art appreciation lessons September through June plus resources.
Activity: Observe a Painting
Narrating paintings is another tool that can be used to develop a student’s writing skills.
Drawing Instruction Series ~ Free eBooks
Three-book series covering drawing and color to a complete course after rudiments are taught.