Field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Today, the 3rd and 4th graders went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We saw 4 paintings: one landscape, one portrait, and two still lives. 

First, we looked at "The Eruption of the Volcano Vesuvius, 1821" by Johan Christian Dahl. 

This painting is a landscape. We talked about how Dahl made the scene look dramatic by using scale and colors. After discussing the painting for a few minutes, students had a chance to sketch Dahl's painting in the gallery. 

Next, we walked through the gallery to take a look at our portrait for the day, "La Berceuse" by Vincent Van Gogh .

We discussed the soothing background pattern that Van Gogh chose to paint, as well as the cool colors that dominate the portrait. 

Next, the 3rd and 4th grade traveled to the first floor to take a look at our two still lives.

First, we saw "Edison Mazda" by Stuart Davis.

After identifying the 3 objects in the painting - a drinking glass, a blue lightbulb, and an artist's portfolio - we talked about the shapes of the objects, the placement, and the colors that Davis chose to use. 

Some students opted to remain in front of "Edison Mazda" and do a quick sketch.

Our final painting was by Georgia O'Keeffe, called "From the Faraway, Nearby"

Those who did not stay with the Stuart Davis painting came over to O'Keeffe's, and spent time studying and sketching her imaginative still life.

Before we knew it, it was time to go back to school!