Van Gogh Sunflowers Art Project Art And Write Artist Study Writing Activity

This Van Gogh Sunflowers Art and Write lesson has students learn about Vincent van Gogh, explore his famous sunflower paintings and create their own bright Van Gogh inspired sunflower artwork. Then they keep the learning going with writing, artist statements, reflection pages and an exit ticket.

It is made for teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers, and fits artist study units, sunflower lessons, cross-curricular art, sub plans, upper elementary art, middle school art and homeschool art. The finished artwork has cheerful yellow flowers, strong black outlines, expressive marks, green stems and leaves, and a decorative vase.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “A fun and easy to use art activity that is something different for the students.” Tracy R.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF AND POWERPOINT TUTORIAL)

• Cover page, About the Art and Write Resource page and How to Use the Art and Write Resource page
• 2 lesson plan pages and 1 standards page
• 1 Warm-Up Art Challenge page
• 1 student reading page about Vincent van Gogh and his sunflowers
• 2 rubric pages
• The Message writing page, Artwork Reflection page and Artist Mindsets page
• Artist statement pages and exit ticket page
• 1 Quick-Pick Reference Images page, 1 Rough Draft page and 1 artwork planning/example page
• 1 full-page example artwork page
• Full PowerPoint step-by-step tutorial
• Non-Fiction writing planning and prompt pages
• Fiction writing planning and prompt pages
• Opinion writing pages and blank writing pages
• Two versions of writing paper to support different learner needs

WHAT STUDENTS DO

Students start with a Warm-Up Art Challenge, creating a night sky with swirling lines and bright colors inspired by Van Gogh's Starry Night. They read about van Gogh's life, his bright colors and bold brushstrokes, and why his sunflower paintings became so loved. Then they follow the tutorial to make their sunflower artwork, using the Quick-Pick Reference Images to choose flower styles, leaf styles and vase shapes so every piece looks different.

After the art is finished, students write about it through non-fiction, fiction and opinion writing, with planning pages to organize their ideas first. The lesson practices line, shape, color, texture, pattern, craftsmanship, art reflection and artist statement writing.

FAQ

Who is this for?

Teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers who want a Van Gogh sunflower art lesson with writing and reflection included.

Is it editable?

No. The resource is non-editable.

Is there a tutorial?

Yes. A full PowerPoint step-by-step tutorial lets you project the steps, model alongside it, or leave the lesson for a sub.

Can I use my own art materials?

Yes. The example artwork uses oil pastel and watercolor paint, but you can adapt the lesson to the supplies you have.

Does it include student choice?

Yes. The Quick-Pick Reference Images let students choose flower styles, leaf styles and vase shapes so their final artwork feels unique.

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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 was the featured cover educator in OCO Magazine for October 2025. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use this resource as a single educator. 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