START WITH ART: George Washington

We START WITH ART each morning with our kids (Jenna's kids are 6 and 9, Janet's is 9). This takes us less than five minutes each morning and tends to be re-visited later in the day at the dinner table or during our evening reading sessions. We find this little exercise each morning ignites creativity and sparks critical thinking. 

Here's how to #STARTWITHART:

Step one: Take a look at the artwork below

Step two: Read the questions below the picture of the art to the students/children in your life

Step three: See how starting your day with art can ignite creativity and critical thinking! 

It's that easy! Let's START WITH ART!

Title: George Washington

Artist: Gilbert Stuart

Date: 1797

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions: 72.4 x 60 cm

Start with Art Questions:

• In Gilbert Stuart's portrait of George Washington, what details can you observe about Washington's appearance, clothing, and the way he is portrayed?
• George Washington was the first President of the United States. How does Gilbert Stuart's portrait capture the character and leadership qualities of Washington? How does the artist make Washington look dignified and powerful in the painting?
• Gilbert Stuart painted several portraits of George Washington. What do you think is the significance of creating multiple portraits of the same person? How might these portraits have been used or displayed during Washington's time?