Show Me The Mona Lisa!

Mona Lisa fresco - Age 11

One way I get little artists' attention is by calling out "Show me the Mona Lisa". The kids respond by folding their hands in their laps or on the table, smiling sweetly since they love art class SO much, and putting their eyes on me. (Mona Lisa's eyes follow you where ever you go. This is a source of infinite fascination to the 6 - 10 set.)

I didn't make this little trick up. It's a technique many art teachers use. This little prompt works extremely well, I suppose because it's more like a game than a command. Today I found a really cool   Mona Lisa Expressions Game to share with you. You can even choose to play in a different language!

Fave Sites

Just thought I'd share a few of my favorite art websites:

Pigments Through the Ages is exactly what it says. You can click on a timeline and see how different colors were achieved at that time. There's also a section where you can deconstruct a painting, layer by layer!

Paint Like Pollock Move your mouse to start. Click to change colors. While away hours pretending to paint like a god!

Piece of Cake Fun and educational game where you can decorate cakes ala Wayne Thiebaud.