Dive into a colourful world with these free learning resources and activity ideas in this Impressionist unit study. This unit study will transport your 7-14 year olds back to 19th century France, where a group of rebellious artists changed the face of painting forever.
Impressionism isn’t just about pretty pictures – it’s a gateway to understanding light, colour, and how we perceive the world around us. From Monet’s shimmering water lilies to Degas’ graceful dancers, these artists captured fleeting moments in time, breaking away from traditional artistic rules.
Suggested homeschool learning activities for Key Stages 2 and 3:
- Experience Plein Air Painting: Why did Impressionists paint outdoors?
- Create modern-day Impressionist works using AI
- Analyse Impressionist Depictions of Social Issues: How did art reflect society?
- Monet’s Life: Biography Writing
- Unleash your inner art critic!
- Cultural Influences on Impressionism: How did Japanese art impact Impressionists?
For a good general introduction for grown ups and older kids, check out these videos on Youtube:
Impressionism in 8 Minutes: How it changed the course of art. By Curious Muse.
What is Impressionism? By Tate Kids.
Experience Plein Air Painting: Why did Impressionists paint outdoors?
Set up an outdoor painting station and create a landscape painting in the Impressionist style. Discuss the challenges and benefits of painting outdoors compared to studio painting. Consider how environmental factors like changing light and weather affect the painting process.
| Art and Design – Learn about great artists, architects and designers in history |
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| Outcome: Students create a plein air painting and demonstrate understanding of its historical context |
| Learning details: Outdoor painting techniques, art history, environmental awareness, critical analysis |
Relevant links:
Create modern-day Impressionist works using AI
Use an AI art generator to create Impressionist-style artworks inspired by Monet’s subjects and colour palette. Experiment with prompts to capture the essence of Monet’s paintings, focusing on his typical subjects and use of colour, but with a modern-day twist. Try different prompts and settings to achieve the desired Impressionist effect – pay attention to the use of broken colour, light effects, and brushstroke-like textures that are characteristic of Monet’s work
Curate a digital exhibition of your AI-generated Impressionist artworks. Include information about Monet’s original works that inspired each piece, and discuss how the AI interpretation compares to the human-created art.
Discuss the role of AI in art creation. Consider questions such as:
- How does AI-generated art compare to human-created art in terms of creativity and emotional impact?
- What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of using AI in art creation?
- How might Monet and his contemporaries have reacted to this technology?
| Art and Design – Learn about great artists, architects and designers in history |
|---|
| Outcome: Students create AI-generated artworks that demonstrate understanding of Monet’s style, subjects, and colour theory |
| Learning details: Analysis of Monet’s artwork, understanding of Impressionist techniques, use of AI technology for art creation, colour theory application |
| Non-National Curriculum Outcomes |
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| Develop digital literacy skills |
| Encourage creative use of emerging technologies |
| Promote critical thinking about the role of AI in art creation |
| Foster interdisciplinary connections between art, technology, and history |
| Enhance understanding of ethical considerations in AI and art |
How did art reflect society? Analyse Impressionist Depictions of Social Issues
Research and discuss how Impressionist artists depicted social issues of their time, such as industrialisation, urbanisation, and class differences. Create a presentation comparing these depictions to current social issues and how they are represented in contemporary art.
For example: Pierre-Auguste Renoir – Luncheon of the Boating Party (1880-1881)
Social Context: Renoir celebrated the rising middle class and their newfound ability to spend time in leisure activities, a reflection of changing societal norms and industrial advancements.
Depiction: This painting shows a group of friends enjoying a leisurely meal on a terrace overlooking the Seine. The scene captures a lively yet relaxed social gathering, emphasizing camaraderie and the joy of shared leisure.
| History – A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066 |
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| Outcome: Students demonstrate understanding of historical context in Impressionist art and its relevance to contemporary issues |
| Learning details: Historical research, critical analysis, presentation skills, contemporary art awareness |
Relevant links:
- https://www.theartstory.org/movement/impressionism/history-and-concepts/
- https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/becoming-modern/avant-garde-france/impressionism/a/a-beginners-guide-to-impressionism
- https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/i/impressionism
Monet’s Life: Biography Writing
In this activity, your children will learn the art of biography writing and apply their skills to create an account of Claude Monet’s life. They will explore the key elements of biographical writing and use Monet’s fascinating journey as their subject.
| English – Write for a wide range of purposes and audiences, including: biographies |
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| Outcome: Students create a well-structured, engaging biography of Claude Monet that demonstrates understanding of biographical writing techniques |
| Learning details: Research skills, chronological ordering, narrative techniques, use of time connectives, balancing facts and storytelling, critical analysis of historical sources |
Relevant links:
- https://www.biography.com/artists/claude-monet
- https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-biography
- https://www.tate.org.uk/kids/explore/who-is/who-claude-monet
This activity encourages students to develop their writing skills while deepening their understanding of Monet’s life and work. It combines research, critical thinking, and creative writing, allowing students to engage with both historical content and the craft of biographical writing.
I have a FREE download for this one – just click below!
Extend you learning with creative writing: Monet’s Diary
Encourage your child to write fictional diary entries from Monet’s perspective, focusing on key moments in his life such as his move to Giverny or his struggles with cataracts.
Unleash your inner art critic!
These activities include analysis of works from the first Impressionist exhibit (1874) and reading primary source critiques. It highlights how revolutionary Impressionism was, contrasting its impact with its now-familiar style, often seen in everyday settings like hotels and hospitals. It’s fun to hear the critics own words on how they viewed the art.
Hop across to Teachers Pay Teachers to grab this Impressionist Art Critique lesson bundle – made by someone with far more art expertise than me! This is a paid resource, but relatively inexpensive and lots to get your teeth into.
Learn about light and colour through photography
Examine Monet’s series paintings, such as “Haystacks” or “Rouen Cathedral”, focusing on how he captured changing light conditions. Replicate this by taking photographs of the same landscape at different times of day and in different weather conditions. Why do objects look different colours at different times of day? Find out with this physics-based activity.
Cultural Influences on Impressionism: How did Japanese art impact Impressionists?
Research the influence of Japanese woodblock prints on Impressionist artists. Compare examples of Japanese prints with Impressionist paintings inspired by them. Create your own artwork combining elements of both styles.
| Art and Design – Learn about great artists, architects and designers in history |
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| Outcome: Students demonstrate understanding of cultural influences on Impressionism through research and artwork |
| Learning details: Art history research, cross-cultural analysis, art techniques, critical thinking |
Relevant links:
- https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/jpon/hd_jpon.htm
- https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/art-and-stories/stories/inspiration-from-japan
- https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/becoming-modern/avant-garde-france/impressionism/a/monet-japonisme-and-waterlilies
Take an epic field trip to France!
I took this trip as a little girl with my Mum and my Aunt, and I absolutely credit it with developing an interest in art history. If Paris is a little far out, search for local museums that hold Impressionist art works so your child can see them in person.
As you wrap up this Impressionist unit study, encourage your young artists to look at the world with fresh eyes. The Impressionists showed us that there’s beauty in everyday moments – in the way light dances on water or how colours blend in a sunset. Why not challenge your children to find their own “impressionist moments” in daily life?
Remember, art is about expression and experimentation. So, grab those paintbrushes, head outdoors, and let your creativity flow. Don’t forget to share your Impressionist-inspired creations in the comments below – I’d love to see how you’ve captured the spirit of this revolutionary art movement!