Katsushika Hokusai Art Lessons

Art Projects and Curriculum

Explore Hokusai's iconic masterpiece, 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa,' through engaging art lessons. Dive into the timeless artistry of Katsushika Hokusai with our captivating lessons for K-6 & K-8 grades. Our lesson plans offer a deep dive into Hokusai's techniques, inspiring students to create their own interpretations of this renowned artwork while gaining insight into the rich legacy of Japanese art work.

Student showing Art inspired by Frida Kahlo

Student Artwork Showcase

Style

Realism

Media

Ink, Water Color

Heritage

Japanese

Gender

Male

About Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849)

Katsushika Hokusai was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist and printmaker. Born in 1760, he is best known for his series of woodblock print designs known as "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji," which includes the famous print, "The Great Wave off Kanagawa." Hokusai was a prolific artist and produced thousands of works over the course of his lifetime, including portraits, landscapes, and erotica. He was also a master of several printmaking techniques and his works are celebrated for their technical mastery, as well as their imaginative and captivating subject matter.

Hokusai's works had a significant impact on the development of both Japanese and Western art, and he remains one of the most famous and beloved artists of his time. Today, his works can be found in major museums around the world and continue to be celebrated for their incredible beauty and innovative quality.

Katsushika Hokusai Art Lesson & Art Activity Projects for Elementary Students

Students learn about the life and background of Katsushika Hokusai. They learn about the importance of Asian art and investigate Hokusai’s beautiful landscapes and the famous “Great Wave.” Students then explore Hokusai by painting a bamboo composition on white paper with black tempera ink. Be sure to click through the student masterpieces at the top of this page.

Art Elements Taught

Line, Composition

Art Activity Emphasis

Bamboo Branches, Value

Vocabulary Learned

calligraphy, contrast, detail landscape, negative, stamp

Student Art Supplies

Watercolor Brushes, Watercolor

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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)

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Real Reviews from Real Teachers & Parents

See Why Everyone Loves Meet The Masters

I have been involved with and using the Meet the Masters Art Curriculum for about 20 years. I started out as a parent volunteer at my son’s former elementary school in Orange County, and then went on to facilitate and coordinate a Meet the Masters Art program at Maranatha Christian Academy in Santa Ana. This just goes to show how successful and user friendly this art program really is!

The biggest blessing for me, is being involved with such an amazing and diverse curriculum that draws kids in to the world of art, the lives of the artist, as well as the history behind the great masters. I know that their love of learning about art is translated into the many art projects that Meet the Masters offers. The MTM staff are here to assist you in designing your schools individual programs and offer you the support to make sure that you and your program will succeed.