START WITH ART: The Kien Valley with the Bluemlisalp Massif

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: The Kien Valley with the Bluemlisalp Massif

Artist: Ferdinand Hodler

Date: 1902

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions: 102 x 70.7 cm

Start with Art Questions:

• Look at the painting and describe what you see. Are there mountains, valleys, or other elements? What colors and details catch your eye?

• Artists often choose subjects that are meaningful to them. Why do you think Ferdinand Hodler might have been interested in painting the Kien Valley with the Bluemlisalp Massif? 

• Step into the painting! What kinds of things could you do in the Kien Valley? How does the artwork make you feel about the possibilities for exploration?

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 🖼️