Artist study- Picasso

This year we've been studying different artists to learn about a lot of different styles of art.  For each artist we read a kids book about the artist and their major works, and we usually check out a couple of those huge art books from the library that have BIG pictures to study all the different pieces.  Then we get down to the fun part.  We choose a painting and try to make our own version.  Sometimes we paint freehand, but sometimes I'll print out an outline from the internet if it is a really tricky one.  The boys LOVE painting, so this is always a lot of fun for them.  

This time we are studying Picasso, and the boys are not loving him as much.  I can't say that I'm a huge fan myself, but I try to present all the artists in a generally neutral to positive way.  But this time all their questions revolved around, "But what is that supposed to be???!!"  "Are you sure that's a person?"  Things like that.  We've learned about some other abstract artists, and they both could appreciate some parts of the piece, such as the colors or the interesting shapes or something.  But with Picasso, they are just completely negative skeptics.  I guess it's good that they have an opinion.  

That being said, they still loved the painting activity. 

  

We chose Picasso's Three Musicians to copy, and the boys decided they wanted an outline for this one.   

 Luke loves to use his "real" paints

 Max is in his color mixing stage

 Kyle decided to try watercolors this time.  His finished project is below.

 Luke's finished project