The Great Wave

First graders began our exploration of Japan by looking at one of the most recognizable pieces of artwork from that country, The Great Wave (of Kanagawa). aka Hokusai's Wave.

For those interested in learning more abut The Great Wave click here (an enthralling BBC report).

As for the first graders we took this picture as an opportunity to discuss the term landscape. Now the first graders can tell you landscape can mean either an artwork depicting areas of land or the particular orientation of an artwork.

Students drew their own versions of The Great Wave and then painted them using cool colors for the water/land and warm colors for the sky.