Mommy Summer School: Art Week

In order to learn lots, have fun, and stay sane this summer, I decided we would have a weekly theme. Each theme will include crafts, tons of library books, homework pages, and, if we're lucky, a field trip.  For the first week I chose "Impressionist Art".  We did some watercolor in the style of Monet by painting outside.

"Colorful Rain"

"Monet"

"Running Spider"

We visited the Kimball Art Museum in Fort Worth for an Impressionist exhibit featuring the works of Renoir, Degas, and Monet.  I knew the girls wouldn't totally appreciate but they did pretty well.  There was just no way I could pass up the opportunity for them to see such amazing artists.  It could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!  Here were some of our favorite pieces.  I think Renoir is my new favorite impressionist artist!

We had some extra time after the museum that I hadn't expected (very unlike me to not have everything planned) so we made an impromptu  stop at the Fort Worth Water Gardens.  They were nice but it was deathly hot.  We were very tempted to jump in.

We made sculptures out of peanut butter playdough (equal parts PB and evaporated milk) while listening to impressionist music.  They weren't really into sculpting that day--just eating.

We also did some sponge painting onto a drawing of Monet's "Waterlilies".  They actually turned out really cool but I couldn't get the pictures to upload on blogger (I don't know why blogger is being so difficult lately!) 

Here is a list of our week's books:
Lineea in Monte's Garden (DVD)
Amelia Bedelia's Masterpiece
Dog's Night
Seen Art?

Art's Supplies
Babar's Museum of Art
The impressionists : the origin of modern painting 
Pierre Auguste Renoir

Well, I loved this week and I can't wait to see how the rest of the summer turns out!