My art palette pin. I wear it every year.
I introduce art for the Art Show step-by-step, easy to difficult. Since we studied Italy in March, our first art was ‘spaghetti art’. Children stood on a table (that was exciting), dipped cooked spaghetti into different paints, and dropped it into paper on the floor. It was messy, fun, and a great way to get children excited about art.
Next, I introduced children to Impressionism. This was art paint in a tube, squeezed onto a pallet. This is where children learned about major pieces of art and artists. The art children made was stunning. Some children had a clear expression:
Others chose to replicate a major piece of art:
Large Blue Horses, by Franz Marc
The next step was introducing Monet. Children loved learning how to paint a bridge and paint water lilies. This was a three-step process, beginning with the background wash:
I deviated from painting to gluing – perfect for Picasso and also Cubism. Children loved this art:
Of course I had to include Venice in the Art Show, since we were learning about Italy:
Grand canal on sunny day in Venice, Italy
There’s a story here. As you know, children give their ‘masterpiece’ a title. While the titles are wonderful, sometimes there is one that takes your breath away. As you can see on the art above, there are buildings and towers on the side, water and the canal on the bottom, a gondola in the water, and a bridge overhead. The title on the Venice art above reads,
A Boat With Grandpa and a Tower with God.
That is a powerful thing for a three-year-old to say. Close to the time he named his art masterpiece, his mommy delivered his new baby sister. I have to believe there is something more, a greater force here, albeit spiritual or meant to be.
Individually, each art piece is beautiful. Collectively, they become a vision:
We walked to the post office to see the Art Show. Families couldn’t wait to see their child’s art. It was busy, exciting, and a whirlwind. That often happens when faced with something stunning. I brought every child to their ‘masterpiece’, in front of the whole wide world. I made a big fuss. To my surprise, almost every child remembered what they named their art, and they said it with pride.
“Art is the foundation of learning about self expression, giving children freedom to speak and feel.” ~Jennie Fitzkee~
A Teacher's Reflections 
We had our topic, We Are Artists, just before the Spring break, and the kids loved it!
We looked at Henri Rousseau, Yayoi Kusama, Roy Lichtenstein, Freida Kahlo and Yinka Shonebare. It was great and really engaged the kids!
They loved trying different art forms, abd experimenting with creating their own art work!
That’s wonderful, Ritu!!!
Amen to your quote Jen. Well said. The children must be so so proud of those masterpieces. Incredible achievements and fun in the process. They’re the best, so are you!
Thanks so much, Alice! They are SO proud, and most everyone remembered their title. When fun is a big component of hard word and learning, children thrive.
thank you so much, I’ve been so wanting for this !!!!
Awww… 🥰 I’m so glad, Beth. Many thanks. I wish you could ‘be there’ to see it.
Oh my goodness, Jennie! What a way to start my morning. Thank you for all of this. Pay attention to the children…they show us what matters most. xo! 🥰
Thank you, Vicki! I’m so glad you enjoyed this. Yes, pay attention to children, they show us what really matters.
Xo! 🥰
Smashing! I’d pay the entrance fee to enjoy this exhibit!!!
Aww… that’s so nice, Annette! 🥰
Wow, what a great post. The children made beautiful art and must have been so proud to see it on display. Wonderful job inspiring them to greatness! I like your pin, too. 🙂
Thank you, Marcia. I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. My goodness, proud was written all over their faces! I love my pin, too, and I corrected the spelling. 🙂
Ha, I didn’t even notice the typo, but I’ll bet it was the word palette which I’ve always found tricky to spell.
Yes! Me, too. 🙂
Your quote about art is so very true.
Thank you, Jacqui. I agree!
Love this. I did an art show at my school and my neighborhood…..little ones. We are doing one at our church
That is wonderful!
Such a great way to introduce them to art.
Thank you, Don.
Always wonderful, Jennie. The title from the small child was very deep!
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. I was very moved by the child’s comment!
I always found it amazing how impressive children’s art looks when it is displayed in a grouping like on a bulletin board.
It makes a big difference, especially framed and titled. Yes, displayed as a group it is quite wonderful. Thank you, Anneli.
It is amazing what children can accomplish when they have a good teacher! Your students are blessed.
It is, and thank you for your kind words! 🥰
I love your pin and the art is fabulous once again. I like how they name their art too. Well done, all of you!!
I love my pin, too (good thing I corrected the spelling!) I’m always flabbergasted at the art children create. Giving their art a title is a big deal, it gives children pride in their accomplishments. Thanks so much, Darlene. 😀
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Beautiful art exhibition! There are plenty of masterpieces here!
Thank you!
Waht a great way to learn, Jennie. Always a heartwarming visit to the art show.
Yes, it really is a great way to learn. Thank you for visiting, John. Heartwarming is a wonderful word – much appreciated.
Heartwarming is descriptive of your work.
That’s so nice…thank you. 🥰
😀
Such fun! This is a great way to learn about art history — while making art 🙂 The technique of painting with spaghetti made me smile. Yay for fun art! 🌞
Yes, fun can be a part of learning, and making art. Painting with spaghetti is the best! I’m glad this made you smile. Thank you, Dave.
Wonderful!
Many thanks, Cindy!
These are wonderful!
Okay, I’m putting my name in the hat now for the next round of spaghetti art. That sounds like fun. Their work is pretty amazing. Cool Jennie.
Yes! You will have a blast 😀. Thanks so much, Brian. I’m glad you liked this.
This is one of your annual, cool Jennie projects. You’re teaching and the kids are learning. Displaying their work reinforces there is value in art and creativity.
It is all you say, Pete, and one of my favorite parts of teaching. Many thanks!
Such a GREAT sampling of art. Important exercise in imitation of great works. Requires careful examination. Bravo Jennie!
Thanks so much, Flower!
Wow Jennie, just Wow… what an amazing project and the results are stunning. Very hard to believe the age of these artists and the imagination and attention to detail is fabulous… what a wonderful exhibition. I have been to some in my time and they most did not evoke such an emotional response as these. ♥
That’s so kind of you to say, Sally. Thank you! Honestly, when my team and I finished hanging the art, we felt the same way. We stood back, looked, and smiled – very emotional for us, too. It really is hard to believe these young artists are only 3 and 4 years old.💕
Wonderful art Jennie I look forward to photos of your class’s art show every year. You always manage to bring out so much talent out in these children of yours in the Aquaroom. Bravo Jennie bravo! 💜🤞
Many thanks, Willow! Your kind words are much appreciated. I’m so glad you look forward to seeing the art every year. 😍
I really do Jennie I am always delighted by how you inspire such young minds 🤗🤗
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Absolutely FABULOUS!!
Thank you, Opher!
All the pictures are masterpieces. The bold colors call to me. Why be subtle when you can shout the rainbow.
Yes! Many children choose bold, too. Many thanks, Ally.
Oh WOW! They made wonderful and beautiful art pieces! The last one A Boat with Grandpa and a Tower with God teared me up. WOW, WOW, WOW!!
Yes, big wow! The art is truly beautiful. The title on the Venice art had all of us choked up, too. WOW! Thank you, Deborah.
The artwork entitled A Boat With Grandpa and a Tower with God is inspired in more ways than one. Artistic talent can be evident very young. I have some amazing artworks created by my Michael when he was little like this.
such a wonderful post – one of my favorites of the thousands that you have written.
I also love the quote at the end – this Jennie Fitzkee really has a way with words 🙂
Big smiles here, Jim! I probably have written thousands, and I’m glad this is one of your favorites. I think this was the first time I wrote my own quote. Maybe I should keep that up. 🙂 Thanks so much, Jim. BTW, are you still away or are you back at Villanova?
Yes – you should start sharing more of your quotes.
And yes, we are back from Australia. We had a great time – wish we were still there!
I will do that. Glad you’re back home. Was it a sabbatical from school? Our prep school in town gives their teachers a full year off (paid) for every 10 years. Wow!
I was teaching a course while in Sydney.
And that is an amazing perk for those prep school teachers!
How nice that you were able to do that with school. No kidding on those perks!
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That was a stunning visit to your exhibition, I hope their parents keep and treasure their pictures. the children will always remember creating and discovering art.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the visit, and thank you for your kind words. Like you, I do hope parents keep the art (most do every year.) Children remember the Art Show, they tell me so when they come back to visit. Nice.
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You are helping to grow new artists Jennie. How Beautiful and such talent! ❤
That’s so nice, Debby. Thank you! 💕
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Rick Steves did a nice docuseries on European Art. I highly recommend it.
Thank you!
You’re welcome, Jennie.
I always enjoy the Aqua Roomers’ annual art show! Please give my congratulations to the artists.
Thanks so much, Liz. Will do!
You’re welcome, Jennie!
The artwork is amazing, Jenny. Some of those, I would hang on my wall! What fun projects. 🙂 ❤
Fantastic post Jennie. The children are looking so cute and beautiful ❤️❤️
Thank you, Kamal!
Wow, you are having wonderful artists in your class. But with this art teacher i am not wondering about this. 😉 Best wishes, Michael
Thank you, Michael!
Always welcome Jennie 😊
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Oh my….. What great artists you have within your class Jennie…. Such masterpieces…. I love them…. And I adored the title of the Venice painting
A Boat With Grandpa and a Tower with God.
What a beautiful title…
Such a wonderful way in which to teach children about the various Arts.. I bet the spaghetti was Fun 🙂 🙂 haha….
Have a wonderful Easter Jennie…. Lots of love your way xx ❤
It is amazing what young children can create given encouragement. Titling their art is a big deal, and I feel the same way about the title of the Venice painting. Wow! Spaghetti art was so much fun, a great way to begin painting in earnest.
Happy Easter to you, Sue. Much love and many hugs. ❤️
BIG Hugs right back…. ❤ xx
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The art work came out amazing – and wow – the way it was displayed was well done
I really needed the art pick me up tonight = what a fun post
It’s amazing what young children can create with tools and encouragement. Displaying the art is the icing on the cake. I’m glad this gave you a big smile! Thank you, Prior.
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Absolutely fabulous Jennie. I love that the post office displays their art every year.
Thanks so much, Carla!
Stunning piece !
Thank you.