Erica Johns has come up with a simple idea for developing art appreciation and recognition. When you subscribe to her Fine Art Pages, you get a digital file of 25 prints of famous painting by artists such as Degas, Gauguin, Monet, Renoir, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh. Each print includes the title, the artist's name, date and place where it was painted, materials and techniques (minimal list), place where it can now be found, and an interesting fact about the painting or the artist.
Erica Johns' suggestion is that you print out and post one or a few of the paintings around the house in very visible locations, allowing your family members to "absorb" the painting(s) as part of their enviroment.
You might ask your children for their own observations about the paintings in a "Charlotte Mason" fashion. You might prompt observations by asking questions such as "Who can tell me the artist who painted the picture that is hanging by the back door right now?"--questions that will cause them to tune in to the details printed below the works of art.
Of course, even with a good color printer and high resolution files, the printouts are unlikely to provide the quality of observations that might be made with expert art reproductions. Nevertheless, this is an easy, inexpensive way to introduce fine art to children that doesn't require a heavy investment of any sort. It's simple for the parent and unintimidating for children.
You can try out the free sample of Van Gogh's "Starry Night" pictured here to see how your family responds.
