Course Content
01. Van Gogh – Life, Emotions, and Artistic Development
- Key stages of Van Gogh's life and how they shaped his art
- The relationship between emotions, inner states, and visual expression
- The development of his style: from dark, earthy tones to intense, vibrant colour
- Understanding art as a deeply personal and emotional process
02. Artistic Influences and Visual Characteristics
- Key techniques and influences: Realism, Impressionism, Japonism
- The role of colour, line, and brushstroke in creating expressive works
- Complementary colours and visual contrasts
- Movement and rhythm as elements of a painting
03. Life Journey and Creative Development
- Early life in the Netherlands, time in London and Paris
- Lay preacher among the miners of the Borinage
- First steps in art, supported by his brother Theo and their letters
- The Arles period: developing his recognisable style
- His most celebrated works — and his most turbulent years
04. Vincent and Theo – Support and Understanding
- The role of relationships and emotional support in personal growth
- Letters as a space for expressing thoughts and feelings
- Exploring what supportive relationships look like in early childhood settings
05. Activities: Exploring Colour, Movement, and Texture
- Painting with undiluted tempera: thickness, texture, and the pressure of the brush
- Creating circular and rhythmic brushstrokes
- Exploring complementary colours and contrasts
- Experimenting with colour across different surfaces and techniques
06. Activities: Line as Expression and Movement
- Drawing with short, quick strokes using coloured pencils
- Developing a sense of rhythm and movement through line
- Exploring drawing techniques: pencil, charcoal, ink
- Studies of motifs including workers, landscapes, and figures
07. Activities: Diverse Techniques and Materials
- Pastel: soft transitions and texture
- Collage: relationships between parts and the whole
- Painting on transparent foil: movement and layering
- Imitation printmaking: linocut-inspired prints and impressions
- Exploring motifs through alternative materials: wool, recycled objects
08. Activities: Experiencing Art and the Digital Environment
- Looking closely at paintings and noticing what makes them work
- A virtual museum visit
- Bridging art appreciation with children's own making
This course is designed for preschool and primary school teachers, pedagogues, art educators, museum educators, librarians, and anyone who works creatively with children. Parents interested in supporting their child's artistic development are also welcome.
No. The course is designed to be accessible to everyone — no art history background is required. Van Gogh's life and work are presented in a clear, engaging way that connects directly to everyday practice with children.
Yes. All activities shown in the course are based on real examples from practice and can be implemented straight away. They can also serve as a starting point — each activity can be personalised, modified, or further developed to suit your group, your materials, or your setting.
The activities use everyday art materials — tempera, coloured pencils, charcoal, pastel, ink, and collage materials. Some activities also explore alternative materials such as wool and recycled objects. No specialist supplies are needed.
Both. The course includes a live Zoom session on 15 June 2026 at 18:30 (CEST). All participants also receive a recording with no time limit — watch it whenever it suits you.
The course includes the live Zoom session, a recording, course materials, and the digital picture book ''The Van Gogh Brothers''. All participants receive a certificate of participation in English and Spanish. Participants can also optionally take part in the Letters to Theo project.