Vincent Van Gogh is probably most famous for sunflower paintings. This project shows how pictures can become more interesting when some shapes break the frame and appear to go off the paper.1. After viewing Van Gogh’s sunflower print from 1888, give the students an extra large paper, (I used 10" x 13") and an old CD to use as a template. They trace the CD somewhere on the paper – left, top, or right side, extended a bit off the page. Consideration should be given to balancing flowers. For instance, a large one is on the right, then a couple of smaller ones should be added to the left to create a visual balance.2. Students may add their own radiating flower petals, stems and leaves. When the pencil drawing is complete, all lines are traced with a gray oil pastel (I used the Portfolio® brand). The flowers and sky are colored in. Heavy coloring will imitate the dense look of Van Gogh’s paintings.CA National Arts Standard: Grade SixAnalyze Art Elements and Principles of Design
1.4 Describe how balance is effectively used in a work of art (e.g., symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial).
