Grade 4/5/6 ~ Vincent van Gogh and The Starry Night

The 4/5/6 students have been enjoying their integrated topic of Space Odyssey and I thought it was a perfect opportunity to link in with this topic by studying the beautiful painting 'The Starry Night' by Vincent van Gogh.

Students were so surprised to learn that Vincent van Gogh only sold 1 of his 900 paintings while he was still alive (The Red Vineyard). During his lifetime (he died aged 37) he struggled to make a living as an artist, but his brother Theo was his biggest fan and believed in Vincent and his talents and passion. After his death, Vincent van Gogh became one of the most famous artists in the world, capturing the minds and hearts of millions of art lovers.

We talked about the types of brush strokes van Gogh used in The Starry Night and how he created rhythm and movement in his painting. He painted this piece in 1889 while he was seeking treatment in a mental asylum. We found it fascinating that he painted this piece from memory.

The students enjoyed the process of sketching out their own Starry Night paintings and having a go and applying short, thick brush strokes. Movement was created by painting the sky and cypress tree in swirls, highlighted by shimmering stars.

Here are some finished masterpieces from Ella, Ava and Evie in 4/5A.

Some more by the very talented Atticus, Teig and Sasha in 4/5B.

And from 6C, some amazing work by Tayvia and Ella.