Ali's Sunflower Painting, inspired by Van Gogh


*October 25, is International Artists Day.

To commemorate this special day I am posting a photo of my young friend 'Ali', posing with her mixed media painting which she created during a 'painting afternoon' we spent together at her home on Sunday, October 17, 2010.  Ali's art project with me, was to create a collage and acrylic painting inspired by a Van Gogh sunflower painting.

The Van Gogh painting called 'Three Sunflowers in a Vase", (on the right) was painted by Vincent in Arles in 1888, and is in a private collection in the USA. Usually, we see his other sunflower paintings which have 12 or more blooms in a vase, so I was pleased to find this particular photo for Ali to use as inspiration for this art project.  I had fun being her assistant while she made all of the creative decisions regarding her painting.  My job was to mix the acrylic paint and keep it wet while she worked on her piece, plus offer her some guidance in the painting process. Ali's Mom and Dad provided us with  tasty snacks to fuel our creative process.

After cleaning up the art table we headed outside to play, taking turns on her trampoline and swing set.   Next time we have an 'art after noon', she is coming over to my studio where she will have the opportunity to paint on my easel.

Ali's sunflower painting is beautiful! 

NFS
20x16, mixed media on canvas