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:
- Place a bowl of water near a window and see what it reflects when the water is still.
- Stir the water gently with your finger and discover what happens to the reflection.
- 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