History’s Canvas
God is the ultimate artist – His color combinations, forms and textures are without compare! He
created many of us with a love and talent for creating art. Take a peek back in time to see what
history’s canvas has to say about art through the ages.
1. (T) God is the greatest artist. What are some of your favorite artworks created by God? Show
a sample or a picture and discuss what makes it beautiful – consider its shape, its color and its
texture. Is there a pattern in the design? Are there shapes within the shapes? Either discuss
this with your Troop or make a small poster showing what God has made and write underneath
the answers to the questions above.
2. (T) We are made in the image of God, so we like to create beauty also. Investigate 5 items
used in your house like silverware, tissue holder, spoon rest, chair, lamp, or a purse. How has
art been used to make these items more pleasing to our eyes? Do you see shapes, forms, or
repeated patterns? Share your findings with your Troop or family.
3. (T) Find three famous paintings that you like from three different centuries. Who are the
artists? Why did they paint these pictures? Are the pictures portraits, landscapes, still life or
designs? Why do you like these paintings? Discuss this with your Troop or family.
4. Visit an art gallery, art fair, or an artist’s studio. Choose a favorite piece of art and write a
paragraph about the piece. Discuss the shapes, colors, patterns, and lines. Who is the artist?
When was this piece made? What nationality is the artist? If the artist is present, ask these
questions to him or her. If you owned this piece of art work, what would you do with it?
Remember that it is impolite and sometimes illegal to take pictures of the art work.
5. Paint or draw your version of a famous painting. It doesn’t have to look exactly like it. Show
the famous painting and your version to your Troop or family.
6. Take photos or cut pictures from a magazine showing different styles of buildings
(architecture). What are the characteristics of each type of building? Make a poster and show
your Troop or family.
7. (E) If you did not earn this badge as a Tenderheart, complete requirement 1.
8. (E) The earliest paintings that are known are found in caves. Learn about the famous cave
paintings found in Lascaux, France. How were these cave paintings found? What do these
paintings show? What did they use for paints? Make a replica of a cave painting on brown or
gray paper. Use crayon, pastels or paint.
9. (E) Study the art of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks or Romans. How was their art work tied in
with religion? What do you like or dislike about the artwork from this period? Who was a
famous artist from this period? Share your knowledge with your Troop or family.
10. (E) There are many styles of paintings. In the 1800’s the Impressionist movement began.
Make a poster, showing the works and life of one of these painters; Manet, Monet, Degas,
Renoir, Pissaro or Sisley.
11. With your parents’ permission, visit the website of some modern-day artists. Choose two
artists. Find out what type of art they produce, the price of their art, where they show their art
(galleries and art shows) and if they give any workshops. Create a brochure advertising this
information and share it with your Troop, Unit or family.
12. Choose a country. Find artwork, ancient, historic or modern, from this country. Make a
small notebook or poster of what you find. Be sure to include the name of the artists and the
dates of the works. If you complete this requirement as a Troop, choose a meeting to display
the posters as if the room was a museum.
13. Have an art historian, art teacher or Pioneer/Patriot (who is completing requirement 18) to
speak to your group about art history and art appreciation.
14. (PI/PA) Study the art of the Middle Ages (AD300-AD1400). What was the greatest influence
on art in these times? What are icons, triptychs, and frescos? Who was Giotto? Include a
discussion about sculptures and stained glass windows. Make a poster, notebook or a
PowerPoint presentation of this time period.
15. (PI/PA) Study the art of the Renaissance. (Ad 1400-AD1600) Who were the great painters of
this time period? What countries did they represent? Who was Giorgio Vasari and why was he
important? Create a commercial (either live or taped) aimed at convincing girls in your Troop
that this time period had an enormous impact on art.
16. (PI/PA) The artistic styles from AD1600 – AD1900 were (in order) the Baroque, Rococo,
Neoclassical, Romantic, Realism, impressionists and Post-Impressionist. The Dutch and the
English also had their own styles and growth in paintings during this time. Choose either to do a
comprehensive study and presentation of one of these styles or do a study and presentation
touching on each of these styles. Be sure to include characteristics of the style, as well as
examples.
17. (PI/PA) List and define the basic principles and elements of art (the internet is a great
resource). Look at five paintings and discuss how the artist incorporated these principles and
styles. This can be done individually or with the Troop.
18. (PI/PA) After completing requirements 14-17 or 19, choose one of the requirements to
present to the younger Troop members to assist them in completing their badge requirements.
Be sure to have your presentation approved by both Unit Leaders prior to presenting.
19. Study the works of art in the 20th and 21st century. Find examples of Cubism, Expressionism,
Regionalism, Op art, Surrealism, and Pop art. Create your own piece of art in one of these
styles. Present the study to your Troop or family.
20. Organize and set up a mini Troop Art Museum. Fashion it like a real art museum, using
posters that Troop members have made or by displaying prints that have been found in old
books, post cards or on the internet. Arrange these according to time periods, styles, and
countries. Invite others to view your museum and take them on mini-tours, giving interesting
explanations on the paintings and the artists.
23. Watch four hours of programming on art history or art appreciation. These can be found in
the local library or on many art museum websites.
24. Make a sculpture from soap, cheese or clay that replicates a famous sculpture. Display your
sculpture along with a picture of the original.
26. Explore careers in the field of Art History. Choose three that interest you most and
investigate the day-to-day of that career, as well as any education required. Report your
findings to your Troop or family.
27. Visit a building designed by a famous architect. Take pictures and display them for your
Troop or family. Also share the biography of this architect and any other notable buildings that
he/she designed.