Rosa Bonheur

Art Projects and Curriculum

Student Artwork Showcase

Style

Realism

Media

Oil

Heritage

French

Gender

Female

About Rosa Bonheur (1822-1899)

Rosa Bonheur was a French artist known for her paintings of animals and rural life. Born in 1822, she broke gender norms by pursuing a career in the male-dominated field of art and became one of the most successful female artists of her time. Her work was characterized by her attention to detail and accurate depictions of animals and landscapes, which were popular with both the public and critics.

She was awarded the Legion of Honour by the French government and became the first woman to receive this award. In addition to her artwork, Bonheur was also a passionate advocate for animal rights and was known to have kept a menagerie of animals at her studio. Her work continues to be celebrated for its technical excellence and for paving the way for women artists.

Rosa Bonheur Art Lesson & Art Activity

Rosa Bonheur’s love of animals is shown in her realistic paintings. Nature was her favorite subject. Students will create their own realistic animals emphasizing texture, symmetry, and color. Be sure to click through the student masterpieces at the top of this page.

Art Elements Taught

Line, Texture, Color

Art Activity Emphasis

Realism in Animals

Vocabulary Learned

balance, composition, contrast, detail, realistic, studio, symmetry, texture, value

Student Art Supplies

Oil Pastels
Rosa Bonheur Art History Projects for Elementary Students

How the Art Program Works:

1. Assembly

Introducing the Masters—Multi-Purpose Room or Classroom (20-45 minutes)

2. Student Worksheets

Learning from the Masters—Classroom (15-30 minutes)

3. Student Art Projects

Working with the Masters—Classroom (50-60 minutes)

Real Reviews from Real Teachers & Parents

See Why Everyone Loves Meet The Masters

Teachers were able to implement the clearly written Meet the Masters lesson plan with ease. Our second graders were actively engaged during the Picasso lesson. They created their own abstract art and were proud to share their masterpieces with their families during Open House last year. Overall, we were impressed with the material and the students enjoyed learning about Picasso. We will be doing the art project again this year to share at Open House.

Josh Barbera
2nd Grade Teacher, Village Elementary School, Coronado, CA

More Artists on the Same Track

Save more with a track purchase & teach all year long.

All tracks include:

  • Implementation guide to manage scheduling, volunteers & communication
  • Multi-level, age-appropriate curriculum for all seven artists in this track
  • Engaging PowerPoint visuals that include vocabulary, art concepts & music
  • Timed, illustrated & scripted lessons perfect for teachers or volunteers
  • Hands-on technique worksheets, art project details, art prints, games & props

*Art supplies and teacher/volunteer training DVDs can be added to your order.