Katsushika Hokusai (17-60-1849), the great Japanese painter, changed his name 30 times and moved 90 times in his lifetime. Why do you think he changed his name and moved so many times? If you changed your name, what would you change it to?

Hokusai's subject he painted the most was Mt. Fuji. People today hike the 12,000 feet for 12 hours to the top of Mt. Fuji. Would you make the long journy to the top of the mountain? If so, why and what would you expect to see once you reach the top?

Listen to audio file about Japanese Letters and Characters.

Robert Indiana is a Pop artist known for his LOVE symbol in the 1960's and our Artist of the Month for September. The LOVE symbol helped ease the tensions surrounding the country in the 1960's. As their a word or symbol you would use that would be appropriate today? What would it be and why.

Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) had a troubled life. He is considered one of the greatest artists of all times, but how would his life as an artist be different today with treatment for his mental illness? Do you think his paintings would change? If so, how? What if he achieved fame and success and sold many pieces of art while he was alive? Would that have changed his behavior? How would he be different?

To hear the song "Vincent" written by Don Mclean, go to http://www.don-mclean.com/ and scroll down until you see music player. Click on Vincent. This song is about Vincent Van Gogh's life.

Winslow Homer

Winslow Homer (1836-1910) is the Artist of the Month for February. We discussed the painting "The Gulf Stream" In our discussion, the students brought up how desperate his situation is. What would you do if you were in his position?

Artist of the Month

In art class, all students learned about John Singer Sarent during the month of January. He was our Artist of the Month. Was he categorized into a certain art style? If so, what style was he in?