Spring in the forest

My name is Isabella, and I will be your guide today through one of our most impressive paintings: "Spring in the Forest"! It's a beautiful picture, isn't it? It was painted a long, long time ago, in 1892, by an artist named Ivan Shishkin. He was really good at painting trees and forests! nn

(Pause for children's reactions and questions) nn

This painting is like a little window into a forest in springtime. See all the green? It's not just one kind of green, is it? Some parts are dark green, like the shadows under the trees. Other parts are light and bright green, like new leaves growing on the branches. Can you point out the different shades of green? What do you think makes some parts darker than others? nn

(Pause for children to respond and explore the painting) nn

The artist, Shishkin, was very clever with his paints. He made the water look so still and dark. It's like a mirror, reflecting the trees and sky. And look at the trees! He painted every little detail, the bark on the trunks, the tiny leaves. He even painted some fallen branches on the ground. What do you think happened to those branches? nn

(Pause for children to answer and discuss) nn

This painting makes us feel peaceful and calm, doesn't it? It's like we can almost hear the birds singing and feel the soft breeze. Shishkin loved nature, and he wanted to share that love with everyone through his art. He wanted to show us how beautiful and peaceful the forest can be. What do you think makes this painting feel so peaceful? nn

(Pause for children to share their thoughts) nn

So, next time you're walking in a forest or even just looking at a tree, remember Shishkin's painting. Remember how he showed us all the little details and how he made us feel calm and happy. Isn't it amazing what art can do? Now, let's move on to another amazing artwork! nn

(Transition to the next artwork or activity)