Art Activity Video: Hokusai’s “The Great Wave”

Recreate your own version of "The Great Wave!"

Activity best for children age 3 and up

Today we will make mixed media artwork inspired by the Japanese master wood block printer Hokusai. Hokusai is a Japanese artist from the 19th century most famous for his woodblock prints titled “Thirty-six views of Mt. Fuji.” When we look at “The Great Wave off of Kanagawa” we see many things beyond a giant wave, such as a boat and a mountain in the distance. Perhaps it is the power of nature over men that Hokusai’s artwork makes us think about, or how we feel when faced with big challenges. How does Hokusai’s artwork make you feel? What would you add to this as your artwork?

Materials you’ll need:

Template of Hokusai’s “The Great Wave”

Choice of crayons, markers or colored pencils

Washable school glue (clear or white)

 Shaving Cream

A brush, Q-tip, or your fingers

A plate for mixing puffy paint

Templates:

Hokusai’s “The Great Wave”

Directions

STEP 1
Download and print the template of Hokusai’s “The Great Wave.”

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STEP 2
Color your template with your choice of crayons, colored marker or pencils. Add details like a rainbow, whale, sunset, or people in the boat to make “The Great Wave” your story.

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STEP 3
Mix washable glue and shaving cream in equal amounts on plate. Be careful not to over mix or you’ll lose the puffiness.

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STEP 4
Use a paintbrush, ear swab or your fingers to add the foamy crest to the waves in the ocean.

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