📖

The Great Wave Study

Artist Study: Hokusai and Japanese Art

Day 87of 180
Week 18of 36
35Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Recognize and describe the main elements of 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa'

2

Understand how artists use lines and shapes to show movement

3

Appreciate the beauty of God's creation through art

📖 Scripture Connection

Psalm 104:25

“There is the sea, great and wide, which teems with innumerable living things, creatures both small and great.”

— Psalm 104:25 (WEB)

Connects to the ocean theme in Hokusai's artwork, highlighting God's magnificent creation

📦 Materials Needed

  • Printed image of Hokusai's 'The Great Wave'
  • White drawing paper
  • Blue and white paint or crayons
  • Paintbrushes
  • Water cup
  • Paper towels
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (3 min)

Welcome to today's BibleMouse art adventure! Yesterday, we learned about Hokusai's amazing life. Today, we'll explore his most famous artwork.

💭 Review Question: What did you remember about Hokusai from our last lesson?
2Teaching (12 min)

Let's look closely at 'The Great Wave'. This amazing artwork shows the power of nature and how small humans are compared to God's creation.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Notice the big wave curling over the boats
  • See how Hokusai uses blue and white colors
  • Observe the tiny Mount Fuji in the background
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What do you see happening in this picture?
  • How do the lines show movement?
3Activity: Create Your Own Wave (14 min)
art analysis

Using the BibleMouse Resource Guide techniques, draw a wave inspired by Hokusai

📝 Instructions:
  1. Fold your paper to create interesting shapes
  2. Use blue and white to create layers
  3. Draw curved lines to show water movement
  4. Add small boats or mountain in background
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Trace wave shapes with adult help

Challenge: Add more detailed ocean creatures

4Closing (3 min)

Let's remember Psalm 104:25 - God creates amazing oceans full of wonder!

📝 Review Questions:
  • What did you learn about Hokusai's wave?
  • How can art help us appreciate God's creation?

Coming up: Tomorrow, we'll learn how to draw waves and water movement

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Hokusai created this artwork around 1830-1833 as part of his '36 Views of Mount Fuji' series

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Encourage observation over perfect drawing
  • Focus on enjoying the creative process
  • Ask open-ended questions about the artwork
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might get frustrated trying to draw exact waves

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Excitement about art, ability to describe what they see

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research more about Japanese art techniques
  • Create a ocean-themed prayer journal
  • Watch a child-friendly documentary about Hokusai

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 88 →Back to Art