Family Activity: Reflections in Water

A fun family activity that explores water and reflections in nature and in painting. Includes discussion questions and an art-making activity.


Introduction:

In the painting On the Bank of the Seine, Bennecourt, 1868, Impressionist artist Claude Monet was interested in capturing reflections on a river. His future wife, Camille Doncieux, is the woman enjoying the view.

Discussion Questions:

Look carefully at this work.
  • What is reflected in the river?
  • How do the artist’s brush strokes and use of color suggest movement in the water?
  • Where do you think the artist was when he painted this scene?
  • Describe your feelings when you look at this image.

Activity:

Create your own Impressionist reflections.

Materials Needed:

  • Large bowl of water
  • Paper
  • Watercolors
  • Paintbrush
  • Cup of water

Steps:

  1. Place a bowl of water near a window and see what it reflects when the water is still.
  2. Stir the water gently with your finger and discover what happens to the reflection.
  3. Paint a scene that shows a lake, pond, or river that reflects its surroundings. Will the reflections in your painting be still or wavy?


Art Access

http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/citi/resources/Rsrc_001361.pdf