Teaching Activity: Art and Letter Writing

beginning/intermediate/advanced
LA

Van Gogh provided great insight into his artistic intentions and processes in hundreds of letters to his brother Theo. Have students create a work of art, preferably a painting or sculpture that takes some time to complete. Then have them write a letter to a family member or friend describing that work, the thoughts they had while producing it, problems they encountered and how they solved them, how they expect others will view their work, and so on. Emphasize that their descriptions should be specific and vivid, using adjectives that will help their correspondent "see" the art work.

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