Masterpiece poster & lesson: Paul Gauguin; Journey to the tropics with this Post-Impressionist master.

After winter's chill, the colorful paradise in this month's Masterpiece Poster is a warm and welcome respite. In this painting--one of French artist Paul Gauguin's many Tahitian scenes--two female figures rest in a brilliant landscape, as if they are part of nature itself. Draw students' attention to how the flat "islands" of shapes fit together, much like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Gauguin's style was to simplify nature into colorful forms or "building blocks." He was the first European artist to introduce the mystery and beauty of Pacific Asia to Western art.

Meet the Artist

Paul Gauguin, born in Paris, France, in 1848, was interested in the deep emotions behind a work of art. Along with fellow Post-Impressionists such as Cezanne, who worked to achieve perfect compositions by arranging large slabs of color on the canvas, and Van Gogh, who used thick, swirling brushstrokes, Gauguin's art represented a departure from the light and delicate Impressionist style. Unfortunately, Gauguin found no public following for his art. In 1891, he abandoned Europe and sailed for the South Pacific, where he was inspired by the lush, exotic landscapes. He spent the rest of his life apart from civilization, immersing himself in his art. He died in French Polynesia in 1903.

About the Art

Invite children to study the poster. Do the elements seem to be stacked from bottom to top? This spatial arrangement is common to Asian art, which Gauguin admired.

The painting is a double portrait, in which the women's facial expressions and postures contrast with each other. Ask students, What do their postures say about their personalities? Does either one meet the viewer's eye? What do you imagine their relationship to be--friends, sisters, or acquaintances? Why do you think so?

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Kid-Made Gauguin Postcards

Have students design their own tropical postcards in the style of Gauguin. They will need 4" X 6" sheets of sturdy paper and colored pencils. Ask students to depict themselves with another person inside a vibrant landscape, using travel magazines as inspiration. On the reverse side, students can write a letter to a friend about an imagined visit to the tropics.

RELATED ARTICLE: Teaching With the Painting

* MOUNTAIN PEAK. Find the mountain in the upper left-hand corner. Note how the highest peak draws our gaze up and along the composition in a diagonal pattern. Gauguin was inspired by Asian art, in which mountains are considered sacred "temples to the heavens."

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* HIDDEN FIGURES. The two women are prominent in the painting, but there may be other people in the picture. Can you find any?

* SLICE OF SKY. The wedge of yellow sky lets the painting "breathe," and adds perspective to the layers of color. Does the painting appear disorganized or orderly?

* SPLASHY PATTERNS. Gauguin delighted in the Tahitian fabrics and in the patterns formed by the colorful landscape. What types of clothing do you see on the women? How do their outfits differ?

* A TRIP TO PARADISE. How do you think it would feel to be in this landscape? Describe what you might smell, touch, hear, and taste.

Susan Rodriguez is an award-winning author, educator, and artist who leads professional development programs on using art to improve learning.