Objectives 
In this lesson, students will: 
· Read Camille and the Sunflowers
· View Van Gogh’s Sunflowers online
· Create their own painting of Sunflowers

Time Frame 
90 minute session

Materials
1. Camille and the Sunflowers, by Laurence Anholt
2. Art paper
3. Tempera paint (yellow, orange, brown, and green)
4. Paint brushes
5. Palettes (paper plates) 

Procedure
1. Read aloud, Camille and the Sunflowers.  This 32-page book details the story of Vincent Van Gogh and a young boy who becomes his friend.
2. Visit an online art museum and download Van Gogh paintings, specifically the painting of sunflowers. 
3. Students create their own sunflower painting, lightly sketching the placement of the flowers on the paper first.  Stress they are not to draw detailed flowers, but merely a circle allowing the flower to take shape as paint is applied.
4. Give each student a palette with the yellow, orange, brown, and green paint.  Instruct students to begin painting by using the yellow paint first (lighter color), then the orange, then the brown.  After all flowers have been painted stems and leaves can be added.  The piece if finished by adding a vase and a bold signature.
5. Display the artwork in the hall creating a student art gallery.

Related Activities:
Sunflower (age 5-11)
Laurence Anholt Interview
Vincent's Flowers