Observing the Sky: Little Ashcan Students Explore the Study of Weather Conditions through Acrylic Painting Inspired by J. M. W. Turner
In this exciting project, our Little Ashcan students are learning how to turn the skies into art—drawing inspiration from legendary landscape painter J. M. W. Turner, whose work captured the emotional power of nature through light, movement, and weather.
Turner was known for painting dramatic skies, glowing sunsets, and stormy seas. His ability to use color and texture to express atmosphere makes him the perfect artist to study when learning how to observe and paint the natural world.
For this project, students are drawing from observation, focusing on various weather conditions—from soft clouds to heavy rain and even thunderous skies. They are encouraged to think critically about how different weather affects the colors, textures, and mood of the landscape around them.
What Students Are Learning:
How to observe and interpret natural light and atmosphere
Techniques in acrylic painting, including blending, layering, and texture
How to express emotion and story through weather and environment
A deeper appreciation for how artists like Turner captured nature
Through this project, students are not only building technical painting skills—they’re also learning to express their own perspective and emotions through the weather they see and feel. We can’t wait to share the skies they create!