Van Gogh Art Lesson Starry Night Portrait Art Project Primary Art Activity
Are you looking for a Van Gogh art lesson that feels exciting, recognizable, and absolutely adorable when students finish? Do you want an art history activity that introduces a famous artist in a way that is approachable for younger learners while still feeling creative and meaningful? This Van Gogh Starry Night Portrait Art Project is such a wonderful choice for art teachers, classroom teachers, and homeschool families who want a lesson that blends portrait art, oil pastel techniques, and artist study in a way kids truly enjoy.
This Van Gogh art project invites students to create a portrait of Vincent van Gogh in front of a background inspired by Starry Night. Students explore swirling skies, bold color, simple facial features, expressive line, and bright oil pastel texture while learning about one of the most loved artists in art history. It has that magical combination of being easy enough for younger students to feel successful while still creating finished artwork that looks rich, colorful, and display worthy.
VIDEO ART LESSON
This is a video art lesson. Your download includes the lesson plan and printable pages, plus a "Watch the Video" page with a clickable link and QR code to the step-by-step video tutorial, so you can watch it anytime and show your class again later.
If you are searching for a Van Gogh activity, Starry Night art lesson, oil pastel art project, primary art lesson, elementary art activity, portrait art lesson, or a video art tutorial with printable PDF support, this resource is such a beautiful fit. It works wonderfully for classroom art, homeschool visual art, sub plans, famous artist studies, and bulletin board displays that need a little extra wow.
Do you want to teach Vincent van Gogh in a way that feels playful instead of too complicated? Are you hoping for a lesson that helps younger students connect with a famous painting while still making something that feels like their own? Would you love an oil pastel portrait art lesson that gets students excited and gives you beautiful final pieces to hang up? This one is a gem.
WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING
★★★★ “Great art resources! The students had a great time doing this project” Michelle Chamberlain
WHY TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES WILL LOVE THIS RESOURCE
This Van Gogh Starry Night art lesson is such a fun way to introduce younger students to a famous artist without making the lesson feel too advanced or overwhelming. Students get to explore the recognizable swirls and glowing sky of Starry Night while also creating a sweet portrait of Vincent van Gogh. That mix of artist study and student-friendly art making makes the lesson feel both educational and exciting.
It is also a wonderful lesson for practicing oil pastel techniques. Students can layer color, create movement through line, and build contrast in the sky and portrait. For younger learners, that is such a nice way to experiment with texture and expressive mark making without needing paint or a complicated setup.
And truly, the finished artwork is just delightful. The bright red beard, swirly sky, glowing moon, and bold stars make the project instantly eye catching. This is the kind of elementary art project that looks amazing on display and gets students feeling proud of what they made.
PERFECT FOR
• Van Gogh Artist Study
• Starry Night Art Lessons
• Primary Art Lessons
• Elementary Art Activities
• Oil Pastel Art Projects
• Portrait Art Lessons
• Homeschool Art
• Sub Plans
• Famous Artist Units
• Display Worthy Student Artwork
MATERIALS USED
This lesson may use pencil, eraser, black felt marker, oil pastels, white paint for van Gogh, blue construction paper for the background, scissors, and glue.
FAQ
Q: Who can use this resource
A: This resource is great for art teachers, classroom teachers, substitute teachers, and homeschool families who want a fun and approachable Van Gogh art lesson or Starry Night portrait art project for younger learners.
Q: How can this resource be used
A: You can use it for art class, homeschool visual art, artist study, primary art, elementary art, oil pastel lessons, sub plans, or as part of a larger unit on famous artists and expressive art.
Q: How long will this art lesson take
A: Most classes will complete this lesson in about 2 to 3 classes depending on student age and skill level, class behavior, teacher instruction style, and the amount of time available in each class.
Q: Why is this a great lesson for younger students
A: This lesson makes Vincent van Gogh and Starry Night feel accessible and fun. Students get to explore a famous artwork through bold color, simple portrait drawing, and expressive oil pastel mark making, which helps them feel successful while still learning about art history.
Images and Lessons are Copyright Products
YOU MAY:
For clip art, you may use them as clip art, website graphics, binder covers, or even bulletin board decorations.
Use this in creative ways! Explore and have as much fun with it as you would like
By additional licensing for school use.
YOU MAY NOT:
Use this on OutSchool
Put on your Blog
Share this product with other teachers, administration or districts. Admin can buy additional licensing.
Sell this product or give it out for free or photocopy it for others.
Sincerely,
Ms ArtasticLet’s create art inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night! In this engaging art project, students will explore the post-impressionist style of van Gogh by creating a portrait of the artist set within his iconic Starry Night Painting. Using oil pastels, this lesson is perfect for Primary students, offering a fun and mess-free alternative to paint.
This art project introduces students to van Gogh’s style, mark-making techniques, and use of color and movement, encouraging them to explore creative expression through layering and blending oil pastels.
Designed by Ms Artastic, this comprehensive resource includes everything you need to successfully guide your students through the project, whether you’re teaching in the classroom or homeschooling.
What’s Included:
This non-editable resource provides all the materials you need for a successful lesson:Are you looking for a Van Gogh art lesson that feels exciting, recognizable, and absolutely adorable when students finish? Do you want an art history activity that introduces a famous artist in a way that is approachable for younger learners while still feeling creative and meaningful? This Van Gogh Starry Night Portrait Art Project is such a wonderful choice for art teachers, classroom teachers, and homeschool families who want a lesson that blends portrait art, oil pastel techniques, and artist study in a way kids truly enjoy.
This Van Gogh art project invites students to create a portrait of Vincent van Gogh in front of a background inspired by Starry Night. Students explore swirling skies, bold color, simple facial features, expressive line, and bright oil pastel texture while learning about one of the most loved artists in art history. It has that magical combination of being easy enough for younger students to feel successful while still creating finished artwork that looks rich, colorful, and display worthy.
If you are searching for a Van Gogh activity, Starry Night art lesson, oil pastel art project, primary art lesson, elementary art activity, portrait art lesson, or a video art tutorial with printable PDF support, this resource is such a beautiful fit. It works wonderfully for classroom art, homeschool visual art, sub plans, famous artist studies, and bulletin board displays that need a little extra wow.
Do you want to teach Vincent van Gogh in a way that feels playful instead of too complicated? Are you hoping for a lesson that helps younger students connect with a famous painting while still making something that feels like their own? Would you love an oil pastel portrait art lesson that gets students excited and gives you beautiful final pieces to hang up? This one is a gem.
WHY TEACHERS AND HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES WILL LOVE THIS RESOURCE
This Van Gogh Starry Night art lesson is such a fun way to introduce younger students to a famous artist without making the lesson feel too advanced or overwhelming. Students get to explore the recognizable swirls and glowing sky of Starry Night while also creating a sweet portrait of Vincent van Gogh. That mix of artist study and student-friendly art making makes the lesson feel both educational and exciting.
It is also a wonderful lesson for practicing oil pastel techniques. Students can layer color, create movement through line, and build contrast in the sky and portrait. For younger learners, that is such a nice way to experiment with texture and expressive mark making without needing paint or a complicated setup.
And truly, the finished artwork is just delightful. The bright red beard, swirly sky, glowing moon, and bold stars make the project instantly eye catching. This is the kind of elementary art project that looks amazing on display and gets students feeling proud of what they made.
PERFECT FOR
• Van Gogh Artist Study
• Starry Night Art Lessons
• Primary Art Lessons
• Elementary Art Activities
• Oil Pastel Art Projects
• Portrait Art Lessons
• Homeschool Art
• Sub Plans
• Famous Artist Units
• Display Worthy Student Artwork
MATERIALS USED
This lesson may use pencil, eraser, black felt marker, oil pastels, white paint for van Gogh, blue construction paper for the background, scissors, and glue.
Q AND A FAQ
Q: Who can use this resource
A: This resource is great for art teachers, classroom teachers, substitute teachers, and homeschool families who want a fun and approachable Van Gogh art lesson or Starry Night portrait art project for younger learners.
Q: How can this resource be used
A: You can use it for art class, homeschool visual art, artist study, primary art, elementary art, oil pastel lessons, sub plans, or as part of a larger unit on famous artists and expressive art.
Q: How long will this art lesson take
A: Most classes will complete this lesson in about 2 to 3 classes depending on student age and skill level, class behavior, teacher instruction style, and the amount of time available in each class.
Q: Why is this a great lesson for younger students
A: This lesson makes Vincent van Gogh and Starry Night feel accessible and fun. Students get to explore a famous artwork through bold color, simple portrait drawing, and expressive oil pastel mark making, which helps them feel successful while still learning about art history.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Images and Lessons are Copyright Products
YOU MAY:
For clip art, you may use them as clip art, website graphics, binder covers, or even bulletin board decorations.
Use this in creative ways! Explore and have as much fun with it as you would like
By additional licensing for school use.
YOU MAY NOT:
Use this on OutSchool
Put on your Blog
Share this product with other teachers, administration or districts. Admin can buy additional licensing.
Sell this product or give it out for free or photocopy it for others.
Sincerely,
Ms Artastic
- Lesson Plan (2 pages): Includes materials, learning outcomes, and goals ("Teacher Does/Student Does")
- Bulletin Board Sign: Showcase completed artworks with pride
- Example Artwork: Inspire your students before they begin
- Step-by-Step Handout: Clear instructions to ensure student success
- Video Art Project Tutorial: Step-by-step video for guided instruction (pause and replay as needed!)
- Rubric: Easily assess student work
- Art Making Reflection Worksheets: Encourage thoughtful reflection
- Artist Statement Template: Celebrate student creativity with personalized statements
How to Prep:
- Review the lesson plan: Familiarize yourself with the steps and gather the required materials.
- Prepare materials: Collect oil pastels, scissors, glue, and paper (blue construction paper works beautifully for the background).
- Photocopy handouts: Have copies ready for students, including the step-by-step guide and reflection worksheets.
- Set up your space: Ensure all materials are easily accessible to minimize disruptions during the lesson.
How to Use:
- Introduce van Gogh: Begin the lesson with a discussion about Vincent van Gogh and his Starry Night painting. Share the provided bulletin board sign and example artwork for inspiration.
- Guide the Process: Play the video tutorial or demonstrate the steps for creating the artwork. Encourage students to explore blending techniques with oil pastels.
- Layer and Assemble: Teach students how to create their van Gogh portraits on white paper, then cut and glue them onto their Starry Night-inspired backgrounds.
- Reflection and Assessment: Use the rubric to assess their completed projects and encourage students to complete the reflection worksheet and artist statement.
- Display the Artwork: Celebrate student creativity by displaying their finished projects on a classroom bulletin board or in a school art showcase!
Recommended Materials:
- Oil Pastels (variety of colors)
- White Paper for Portraits
- Blue Construction Paper for Starry Night backgrounds
- Pencil and Eraser
- Scissors and Glue
Why You’ll Love This Lesson:
- Engaging and Fun: Introduces students to a famous artist and iconic painting while encouraging hands-on creativity.
- All-Inclusive Resource: Prepped and ready-to-use materials save you time and effort.
- Skill Development: Promotes fine motor skills, blending techniques, and creative thinking.
- Flexible: Perfect for classrooms, homeschooling, or art substitute plans.
Who Is This For?
This art project is ideal for:
- Primary Art Teachers
- Homeschool Educators
- Substitute Teachers
- Parents Looking for Creative Activities
YOU MAY:
For clip art, you may use them as clip art, website graphics, binder covers, or even bulletin board decorations.
Use this in creative ways! Explore and have as much fun with it as you would like
By additional licensing for school use.
Put on your Blog
Share this product with other teachers, administration or districts. Admin can buy additional licensing.
Sell this product or give it out for free or photocopy it for others.
FILES YOU WILL DOWNLOAD
- Van Gogh Starry Night Portrait Art Lesson - Video Lesson + Lesson Plan - Ms Artastic.zip: the lesson plan and printable pages (PDF), plus a "Watch the Video" page (PDF) with a clickable link and QR code to the step-by-step video tutorial
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