Van Gogh’s artistic career was very short, only ten years; but he made 800 paintings in that time. Sometimes he would paint through the night with candles stuck in his hat brim for light! Unfortunately, he sold only one painting during his lifetime. But this did not dissuade him from believing that his art was worthwhile.
What colors do you see?
What shapes?
What kinds of lines?
What is in the background? Why?
How real does the artist make things look?
How does the painting make you feel?
Do you like it? Why or why not?
To explore the context behind this self-portrait- as well as two others- you can download the free worksheets below. Please don't try to make money off of them unless you are too poor to own a personal computer. But please do enjoy them- and learn alongside your little ones.
Emotions in Painting: Van Gogh's Self-Portraits (PDF)
Don't miss the opportunity to Make A Van Gogh Style Self-Portrait with this printable acivity from the National Gallery of Art which provided the information for the worksheets I made.
