Art History Workbook Modern Artists Art Lessons Worksheets Art Activities

This Modern Artists Workbook for Grades 5 to 8 explores the lives, styles and well-known works of ten modern artists who shaped Western art history, from Dalí’s surreal dreams to Warhol’s pop art and Basquiat’s raw energy. Students study each artist through biographies, critical thinking prompts and art projects.

The workbook blends literacy and visual art, so students build ELA and art skills together while developing their own voice and expression. It works in middle school art classes, with advanced upper elementary learners, and for homeschool art lessons.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “Engaging resource that my Grade 5 students very much enjoyed. Thank you.” Davina W.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF IN AMERICAN ENGLISH)

• 10 artist sections: Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Salvador Dalí, Henri Matisse, René Magritte, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol
• 8 activity pages per artist: About the Artist, Artist Wiki (research page), Let’s Dig Deeper (critical thinking questions), Artist Biography (formal biography and portrait), Exploration Page, Finish the Picture, Art-Making Prompt and Artwork Reflection
• Title Page for the workbook
• Why Do Artists Make Art? reflection prompt
• Rubric for creativity and effort
• KWL Chart: Know, Wonder, Learn
• Workbook Completion Reflection
• QR codes for easy teacher access to public artwork images online

HOW TO USE IT

Print single lessons or the full workbook, and use duo-tangs or binding for classroom sets. Pages also work as individual worksheets or sketchbook glue-ins. Choose the art medium yourself or let students decide.

Use it as a weekly artist study, pick and choose artists, or teach it as a full unit. It also suits early finishers and sub plans. Students can research independently or with your guidance using online museum sources such as the MET or Wikimedia Commons.

FAQ

What grade levels is it for?

Grades 5 to 8, which makes it a fit for middle school art classes or advanced upper elementary learners.

Which art mediums can students use?

You can direct students to one medium or let them choose. It works with oil pastels, watercolors, colored pencils, felt markers and more.

Can homeschoolers use it?

Yes. The independent study format and mix of reading and art-making suit homeschool families.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS

★★★★ “Perfect for when students need an alternative assignment.” Jonathon S.

Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers. She is the founder of Ms Artastic, hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast, and is passionate about making art education accessible, inclusive and exciting.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use this in your classroom with the appropriate license, use the clip art for websites, décor and binder covers, and bind or print it for sketchbooks and interactive notebooks.

YOU MAY NOT: upload it to blogs or OutSchool, share it with colleagues or schools without additional licenses, or sell or redistribute the content.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic