Mealtime! The Potato Eaters (2)

• Art and design
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Introduction

The children will each make a painting based on a sketch made at home (or a photo). This lesson accompanies the homework assignment 'Mealtime! The Potato Eaters (1)'.

Instructions

The lesson, 'Mealtime! The Potato Eaters', has two parts:

- this follow-up lesson (50 min.)

- the preceding homework assignment (10 min.): 'Mealtime! The Potato Eaters (1)'.

General learning objectives

The students will:

- each make a painting of their own evening meal, using a sketch made at home (or a photo) with notes.

Materials

• The completed worksheets with sketches (or photos)

• Art paper

• Old newspapers

• Brushes • Paint

• Jars or other containers for water

• Rags for drying the brushes while working

Background information

In 1885, Vincent van Gogh painted The Potato Eaters. He wanted to show what country life was like in those days and how hard people had to work to make a living. The farmers in the painting lived in Nuenen, Brabant. They worked hard but were very poor. Their evening meal was simple, and so was their home. They probably didn't really have potatoes with coffee, an unusual combination. But by showing the figures in the painting eating potatoes and pouring coffee, Vincent could give each one an active role.

Briefly review the introduction to the homework assignment with the class.

You can ask the children how it was to do the homework assignment and have a few of them tell you more.

Make your own painting

• Take a good look at your sketch or photo from home.
  
• Make a new pencil sketch on art paper.
  
• Then pick the colours you'd like to use.
  
• You have 40 minutes.
  

• Have fun!

Then discuss the assignment on the whiteboard. You can leave the assignment on the board while the students work.

Talk about your painting

Afterwards, invite a few children to talk about the paintings they made during the lesson. If some of them aren't done, you could give them a chance to finish their paintings another time.

The Potato Eaters, 1885