Glue Pictures

Vincent van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh is generally considered the greatest Dutch painter after Rembrandt, yet his reputation is based mainly on the works produced in the last 3 years of his short, ten-year painting career. In fact, he only sold one painting during his lifetime. Vincent van Gogh produced more than 700 drawings and 800 oil paintings which are recognisable by their striking colours and bold texture.

Look at pictures that show the amount of texture that van Gogh used in his paintings. Ask the children to speculate on how that texture has been created - what tools did the artist use? If possible, look at paintings in a gallery setting showing the ornate frames that are used and discuss the patterns and shapes on the frames to make a direct link with what the children are going to do.

Jackson Pollock

Pollock’s work is characterised by what appear to be a mass of drips and squiggles. In fact, Jackson Pollock was a leading exponent of Abstract Expressionism, an art movement that is sometimes referred to as ‘action painting’. Pollock received huge publicity for the fact that he poured and dripped the paint onto the canvas. He was respected by other artists for his deep commitment to painting and his refusal to compromise and change his style to something more conventional.

Look at Pollock’s painting and practice the movements with water in a squeezy bottle on the playground. This will help the children when they come to draw with glue. Alternatively they could practice drawing with chalk on dark paper to plan out their glue pictures.

Keith Haring

Haring’s work is very linear in nature and is full of energy. He learnt to draw at an early age, learning basic cartooning skills from his father. Haring was an American artist who had a short but intensive career - during the 1980s along he was part of more than 100 group or solo exhibitions.

There are 2 websites to choose from as some of Haring’s work can be a little sexually explicit. If children are researching independently send them to the Haring Kids website but if you are selecting images to use in class there are hundreds to choose from on the main site. Focus on the linear style used by Haring and use it to inspire some exciting glue drawings.