Van Gogh Sunflowers Art Project Sunflower Art Lesson Artist Study Art History

This Van Gogh Sunflowers Art Project is an artist study lesson where students create a bright sunflower still life inspired by Vincent van Gogh using oil pastel and watercolor paint. They explore expressive mark-making, layered color and bold line to make a large vase, multiple sunflowers, expressive petals, green stems and textured background marks.

It is made for teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers working with elementary and upper elementary students. The finished pieces have an energetic, painterly look that stands out on bulletin boards and in hallway displays, and the steps are broken down clearly so students feel successful.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF)

• 1 Cover Page
• 1 About the Resource Page
• 1 Critical Thinking Questions Page
• 3 Lesson Plan Pages with a poem hook, participation strategy ideas, gallery walk ideas and display support
• 1 Poem Hook Page about Vincent van Gogh and Sunflowers
• 1 Student Reading Page about Van Gogh's Sunflowers
• 1 Color Poster Sample Page
• 1 Rubric Page
• 1 KWL Chart Page
• Reflection Pages: The Message, Analyze: Elements and Principles, Compare and Contrast, Questions and Wonders, Goal Setting
• 2 Artwork Reflection Pages
• 1 Peer Feedback Page
• Artist's Statement Pages
• Full Color Example Page
• PDF Step-by-Step Tutorial with visual and text directions for drawing, mark-making and painting

HOW TO USE IT

Project the tutorial pages for students to follow, use them under a document camera, or use them as your own guide while you demonstrate. The steps cover drawing the vase, adding a horizon line, placing large and small sunflower centers, building petals in different styles, adding texture lines and expressive marks, developing the vase and table surface, drawing stems and leaves, and painting with watercolor over oil pastel.

The reading and poem hook introduce who Vincent van Gogh was, why he painted sunflowers and how he used thick paint and bold brushwork, including impasto explained in a kid-friendly way. Keep it as a straight art project, or add the reflection, peer feedback and artist statement pages to stretch it into a fuller artist study over more than one class.

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers who want a Van Gogh sunflower art lesson with step-by-step support.

Does it include a PowerPoint tutorial?

No. This version includes a PDF tutorial only.

What materials are used?

Oil pastels, card stock or thicker paper, watercolor paint, paint brushes and water. The lesson plan notes that tempera paint can be used in place of watercolor.

Does it include reflection or assessment pages?

Yes. It includes a rubric, artwork reflections, peer feedback, goal setting, artist statements, The Message page and more.

Is it editable?

No. It is non-editable.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist and educator who has been featured on NBC LX and was the featured cover educator in OCO Magazine (October 2025). She creates visual art resources for teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers, with strong visuals and real art skill development. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

This resource is for single educator use only.

YOU MAY: use it with your own students. Please purchase additional licenses if more than one teacher will be using it.

YOU MAY NOT: share, copy, upload, post online, distribute or resell this resource in any form.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic