In this class we will learn about a variety of famous paintings and artists, from different historical periods, tailored to the learner’s interest. Examples of artists will include Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Van Gogh, Monet, Frieda Kahlo, Picasso, Elizabeth Vigee Le Brun and Salvador Dali. Each class will cover one famous artist and a selection of his/her paintings. Learners will engage directly with the pieces of art by describing them with creative vocabulary such as detailed, realistic, abstract, vivid, dramatic, tranquil, thought provoking and mesmerising. Learners will also get to draw their favourite paintings while watching the National Gallery’s 5 minute painting meditations. Requests for particular artists and paintings are very welcome and according to the age of the learner the class can be made more accessible or challenging with games and quizzes. No prior knowledge needed, all are welcome.

Schedule of class:
10 minutes: Introduction to artist and a gallery such as the Louvre 
10 minutes: Interactive discussion of paintings using creative vocabulary and observation of details within the painting. A slideshow with high definition photographs of the paintings will be provided.
10 minutes: Reflective recap either drawing a favourite painting, interactive quiz, heads up guessing game or National Gallery 5 minute art history videos. 

List of topics (subject to change according to learner’s preference)

Week 1: Van Gogh: Let’s play ‘I Spy’ with his famous painting The Bedroom and look at other landscape pieces such as the Starry Night, Landscape of Snow, Wheat Field with Cypresses

Week 2: Raphael and other Renaissance paintings: the School of Athens and how it represents the golden age of knowledge in classical Greece 

Week 3: Winter or seasonal themed famous paintings 

Week 4: Female artists - Frieda Kahlo: Bold, bright and unapologetically unique - an examination of her thought provoking self portraits. Elizabeth Vigee Le Brun: official portrait artist to Queen Marie Antoinette who received many opportunities to paint foreign ambassadors 

Week 5: Ocean themed famous artwork and painters throughout history