A Walk Through Art Time Periods
- Hope Creek Studios
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
🕰️ Middle–High School: This one’s always a favorite—and I’ve done it several times over the years. It’s part research, part sketchbook, and part creative thinking, and every time students come away remembering so much more about art history than from just a slideshow or textbook.
I call it "A Walk Through Art Time Periods"—students start by folding a large piece of paper into 8 sections (or more/less depending on your time and age group). In each section, they’ll redraw the same subject—could be a person, animal, character, cartoon, really anything—as it would look in a different historical style.
Sometimes I’ll narrow their choices for structure, but I’ve also done it where they can pick their own subject, and that freedom really lets the creativity shine. We walk through the art periods in chronological order, pausing to learn just a few basic ideas about each one. My typical lineup includes:
Prehistoric (optional if we start way back)
Classical
Renaissance
Impressionism
Fauvism
Art Nouveau
Expressionism
Cubism
Surrealism
Pop Art
Contemporary
...and whatever else fits your time or your students!
They love the challenge of translating their subject through time, adapting colors, lines, and composition. You get things like a cartoon giraffe done in the swirls of Van Gogh, or their dog reimagined in the bold lines of Keith Haring. Every square is different, and that contrast really helps the periods stand out visually.
Why it works: This lesson blends art history, style study, and hands-on application in one big package. By drawing the same subject through different lenses, students are pushed to analyze what makes each time period unique—from color palettes and brushstrokes to mood and movement. It’s an incredible way to reinforce knowledge, build observational skills, and let creativity fly. And best of all? They remember what they learned. It sticks.
©HOPECREEKACRES2025
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