Library Bookmarks

Homer Extension Activities

Isn't it is amazing to think that such a talented artist lived right here in New England?

Winslow Homer's life was truly fascinating. Check your local library to see if you can borrow a copy of Winslow Homer: An American Original - it is an old but fun movie. My husband even enjoyed this one.

Sit with your child and look through several of Homer's works. Some are rather thought provoking. The Gulf Stream, which we discussed in class, shows a man in great danger. You may want to discuss Psalm 56:3-4 "When I am afraid I will trust in you. In God whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid."Remember our discussion of contrast? Take a look at these two works by Homer. They are very similar. Do you think that the use of contrast made a difference between Sailing the Catboat and Breezing Up? - How many other differences can you find?

Looking for a hands-on project? Try learning to draw like the school children of Winslow Homer's time. Or take on his favorite medium, watercolors! Don't forget to use your crayons this month. Crayola always has great ideas at their site.

The National Gallery of Art has created a fun printable document with lots of games and info about Winslow Homer. Get it at: www.nga.gov/kids/homerscoop.pdf

Did you know that Winslow Homer was buried only about an hour from here? If you happen to be near Cambridge this month, take a quick look at his gravesite in Mount Auburn Cemetery. (While you are there you might be interested in seeing the burial sites for Nathaniel Bowditch, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, among others.)

Don't forget to stop by your library this month to see your artwork on the new bookmarks that they will be giving away!

March - Homer

This month's featured artist is:

Winslow Homer

(pronounced HOE-mer)

1836-1901

American

In preparation for class please print Homer's work entitled Breezing Up (1876, National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.) and place it in a location where your child will see it often.

Click here for a printable version.

We are going to be studying color value during this class. Please choose to either bring shades of blue OR shades of gray paper as described in the supply list below. It would be best if you did not mix the two colors.

For the next class you will need:

Out of Light Gray (or light blue) construction paper

- One 9"x12" sheet

- One 4.5"x6" sheet

Out of Black (or dark blue) construction paper

- One 5"x9" sheet

- One 7"x9" sheet

Out of White construction paper

- one 6"x9" sheet

Black (or dark blue) Crayon - One per person

Glue (white or glue-stick)

Scissors - One per person

See you on March 8th at 6:30!