Teachers, looking for a filler/one-day lesson? Try using a work of art to inspire creativity. Andrew Wyeth’s Christina’s World is a perfect choice. Viewers cannot help but be drawn into the painting. Who is she? Is she running away, or running toward the house? What do we learn about her from the details in the painting (her dress; the structures; the color choices)? Students can create scenes, poems, or short stories to answer these questions. Is she in despair? Is she hopeful? Seeking help, or hiding from danger? Perhaps presenting the art without including the title would lead to even more in-depth writing. What title would students give? Why? Bringing renowned works of art into the classroom is an effective way to inspire great writing.
