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Van Gogh artist study pages featuring famous paintings, a mini book, I Spy activities, coloring pages, and art projects for PreK–2.

Van Gogh Artist Study for Kids | Mini Book, I Spy, Coloring Pages | Art History

Introduce PreK–2 children to Vincent van Gogh through famous paintings, picture study, I Spy pages, art activities, coloring, and a mini book.

Suitable for
Preschool–2nd Grade
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Learning goals

  • Learn simple facts about Vincent van Gogh and his life as an artist.
  • Look closely at five famous Van Gogh paintings and notice colors, objects, and details.
  • Build observation and speaking skills through picture study questions and I Spy pages.
  • Explore Van Gogh-inspired art through two step-by-step activities.
  • Respond creatively through coloring, painting, and favorite-painting activities.

Preview pages

What’s included

  • US Letter PDF (33 pages) — vincent-van-gogh-artist-study-US-Letter.pdf
  • A4 PDF (33 pages) — vincent-van-gogh-artist-study-A4.pdf
  • Editable PowerPoint (type your own words; opens in Google Slides too) — vincent-van-gogh-artist-study-editable-PowerPoint.pptx
  • Contents page
  • Teacher guide (4 pages)
  • Meet the artist (1 page)
  • Painting posters (5 pages)
  • Mini book (4 pages)
  • Look and talk cards (3 pages)
  • I spy (3 pages)
  • Painting puzzle (1 page)
  • Art activities (2 pages)
  • Craft template (1 page)
  • Coloring pages (4 pages)
  • Paint like Vincent (1 page)
  • My favorite painting (1 page)
  • Certificate (1 page)
  • Terms of use page

Materials and preparation

  • Printed resource pages
  • Dark blue paper
  • White and yellow paint
  • Cotton swabs
  • Black paper
  • White paper
  • Yellow and orange paper
  • Brown crayon or paint
  • Scissors and glue

Print the US Letter or A4 pages you want to use and review the teacher guide before beginning. Prepare the painting posters, discussion cards, mini book, and art materials needed for the activities you choose.

Meet Vincent van Gogh

Begin with the Meet the Artist poster and mini book. Share the simple artist facts, then introduce the five painting posters one at a time so children can focus on the colors, subjects, and details they notice.

Look, Talk and Search

Use the Look and Talk cards to guide short conversations about The Starry Night, Sunflowers, The Bedroom, Café Terrace at Night, and Irises.

Continue with the I Spy pages and painting puzzle to encourage careful looking. Children can point to details, count objects, compare colors, and explain what they notice.

Make Art and Reflect

Choose one of the two step-by-step art activities: Swirly Starry Night or Sunflowers in a Vase. Children can also use the coloring pages, Paint Like Vincent page, My Favorite Painting page, and certificate as part of the artist study.

Adaptations

  • For younger children, read the questions aloud and let them answer by pointing, counting, or using short phrases.
  • For children ready for more discussion, ask them to explain what they notice and why a painting makes them feel a certain way.
  • In a small group or homeschool setting, focus on one painting at a time and spend longer looking closely at details.
  • If time is limited, use the Meet the Artist page, one painting poster, one discussion card, and one art activity for a shorter lesson.

Questions

What ages or grades is this Van Gogh artist study for?

It is designed for PreK through 2nd grade.

Which Van Gogh paintings are included?

The resource includes The Starry Night, Sunflowers, The Bedroom, Café Terrace at Night, and Irises.

What files are included?

You receive a 33-page US Letter PDF, a 33-page A4 PDF, and an editable PowerPoint version where you can type your own words. The PowerPoint also opens in Google Slides.

Does the resource include hands-on art activities?

Yes. It includes Swirly Starry Night and Sunflowers in a Vase, plus a sunflower template, coloring pages, and additional art-response pages.

Get this resource

Van Gogh Artist Study for Kids | Mini Book, I Spy, Coloring Pages | Art History is available from our store on Teachers Pay Teachers.

View Resource on TPT

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