Primary Sources in the Visual Arts

Utilizing Primary Sources-

Guiding learning from sources that are personalized and derived from real-world events can helps students take a vested interest in a topic. A letter from a soldier or one  of Van Gogh's artist statements will bring learning to a more interpersonal level.  



During week 4 of my class, Best Practices in Gifted Education, the idea of utilizing Primary Sources in history courses was discussed. Watching this video definitely illuminates the subject of primary sources for me:

 After reading about Primary Source inclusion in a history course, I than began my search for resources for Primary Sources in Art!

Sure, I can explain the torture and torment that Friday Kahlo endured or talk about how tumultuous, loving but painful Frida's marriage to Diego Rivera was or would her story and artwork hit on another level when presented from real footage of the artist?