We can learn a lot
about Monet,
the Impressionist painter,
and about Impressionism,
the painting movement
that Monet led
around 1880 or so.
We can learn,
for instance,
that Monet
and his fellow
Impressionists
painted outside,
loved color,
and put paint on
their canvases
differently
than their predecessors.
All good things
to know,
for sure.
But these things
really aren’t the reasons
that we know Monet
today.
We know who he is
because…
he looked around,
and thought about what he saw.
He discovered his interests,
and followed his passions.
He generated ideas
and work,
lots of work.
He shared his ideas
and his work
with friends.
He persisted
while others insisted
that he was foolish,
even childish.
When we think about
all of the things
that we can teach
our students
through Monet,
we need to think about
the information that will
serve our students best.
Artists aren’t important
because of the way
they put paint on a canvas.
Artists are important
because they
change and impact
the world.
We can learn about Monet
or we can learn from Monet.
What’s the better lesson?
Trevor (@trevorabryan)
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