Awesome Allegories
Retell favorite stories in allegorical paintings created in the style of Baroque painter Sir Peter Paul Rubens.
1. Peter Paul Rubens was born on June 28, 1577, in Siegen, Germany. His paintings, which were remarkable due to their accuracy, sumptuous color, and vitality, contained a broad range of subject matter. In addition to his many portraits, Rubens also painted wonderful allegories (story paintings), based upon mythological and religious themes.
2. To create your own allegorical painting, think of a favorite story. Write a summary of one scene in that story, using Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils. Describe both the characters and setting in detail so you clearly visualize them.
3. Cover a table top with recycled newspaper. On white paper, use Crayola Watercolors and Watercolor Brushes to paint the main character in the story. Place your character in the story's environment, with details that reflect your ideas. Make your character as lively and colorful as possible, just as Rubens did in his allegorical paintings.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.
- Rubens also painted several formal portraits. To create a formal portrait in the manner of Rubens, begin with a picture of someone close to you, dressed in their very best clothes. Use Crayola Tempera Paints to paint your portrait. Focus mainly on the person you are painting, and minimize the background.
- Create an allegorical painting based upon an original story that you write. Display your finished painting with your story. If you are part of a group that creates these original allegories, display the paintings together, then read the stories to the group one by one. Group members identify the painting that goes with the story.
- Children who cannot yet write independently can summarize stories orally with partners, describing characters and setting as they imagine them, then use allegorical painting as a way to record visualizations of the story.
Textile Quilt
Emerald City
Star Gazer
