START WITH ART: Study of a Velvet Crab

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. 

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 get started.

Title: Study of a Velvet Crab

Artist: John Ruskin

Date:1870

Medium: Body color over graphite on blue wove paper

Dimensions: 31.5 x 24.5 cm

Start with Art Questions:

• John Ruskin made drawings to gain a better understanding of what he observed. What observations do you note when looking at the crab? 

• A Velvet Crab's body is coated with short hairs, giving the animal a velvety texture. Does the artist convey the velvet texture? How? 

• How would you describe the colors in this artwork? Are the colors bold and bright or soft and pastel?

Add our START WITH ART calendar to yours by clicking here then click "add." Share how you're folding this into your daily routine by tagging us on Instagram @pageofarthistory and/or the tag #startwithart 🖼️