Art Study Tip: Paint Over A Black and White Picture

I got the best idea from @modernmissmason’s podcast that I want to share with you too.

On her podcast she said she prints out a black and white picture of the picture they are studying and paints it with her daughter. So I did something very similar.

After finishing up learning about Thomas Cole, we decided to paint a copy of The Past, which was everyone’s favorite painting. It’s not as easy as one may think too. What I mean is that it’s not like paint-by-numbers. We had to find a way to give the painting texture and “realistic” look.

From here on forward for each term, we will choose a favorite painting to paint over. I will save these paintings and add them to their portfolio. Hopefully in the future, my children and I will have the courage to paint a copy without the use of a black and white copy.

This is a great activity to do in the afternoon during tea time. Put on some instrumental music (we like soundtrack music from Miss Potter, Pride and Prejudice, Little Women (1994), and others). It makes the time even more pleasant.

Do you find this tip helpful?