Reflection
In evaluating this activity, I am
always amazed at the personal and
Go to schoolartsonline.com
to read Grant Wood’s letter.
enhanced. Over the years, we have
meaningful connections students
experimented with different media
make with their subject matter. From
including watercolors, tempera paint, births to funerals, students have
Materials
oil pastels, and markers. Now we usu- taken inspiration from American
18 x 24" ( 45 x 60 cm) white paper •
ally create our new American Gothic Gothic to depict their own insightful
ink pens •
with a combination of media, which
and joyous celebrations of American
life as they know it.
tempera paint •
adds a textural quality.
markers •
Creating a Narrative
This year, students wrote about their
paintings and typed the narratives
in the computer lab. Students dis-
played their narratives next to their
paintings in the school hallways.
After students completed their paint-
ings, I read a letter written by Grant
Wood describing his feelings about
American Gothic, giving students an
insight into Wood and what he was
trying to convey through his art.
Sara Schmickle Kirker is an art teacher
at Apple Glen Elementary in Bentonville,
Arkansas. skirker@bentonville.k12.ar.us
NATIONAL STANDARDS
Students use different media, tech-
niques, and processes to communi-
cate ideas, experiences, and stories.
WEB LINK
www.artic.edu/artaccess/AA_Mod-
ern/pages/ MOD_5.shtml
crayons •
watercolors •
oil pastels •
Grant Wood’s letter •
Images: (left to right) Having a Sleep
Over, Making Music with My Uncle Jay,
