While we've all been practicing social distancing and staying "safer at home," many of us have also picked up or expanded our creative practices – from trying new recipes in the kitchen, to planting a new garden, to writing and making art. The ability to explore those creative practices is perhaps one of the silver linings in this storm of change and uncertainty. Perhaps those practices are also things that we should continue to make time and space for, even as our daily routines begin to look more "normal."
Coloring pages are a fun and simple way to exercise your creativity, while also reducing stress, unplugging from technology, and practicing mindfulness. The Brooks is excited to offer a variety of coloring pages, created from the wide range of artworks in the museum's collection. Below are three great, downloadable coloring pages, along with an image of the original artwork and brief bit of history about each piece.
"Le pont d'Argenteuil (The Bridge at Argenteuil)" by Alfred Sisley
The Parisian artist Alfred Sisley was committed to capturing the transitory effects of light and weather by observing it directly and painting en plein air, or out-of-doors. Sisley was arguably the most dedicated of the French Impressionist painters to this practice, painting landscapes almost exclusively throughout his career. Here, Sisley captures a softly lit wintry day by the river Seine. What happens if you color in Sisley's scene using the colors you can see outside?
Alfred Sisley, French, 1839 - 1899, Le pont d'Argenteuil (The Bridge at Argenteuil), 1872,
Oil on canvas, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Hugo N. Dixon 54.64
Balthazar, from an altarpiece depicting the Adoration of the Magi
Balthazar, the Biblical African king that brought a gift to the newborn Christ child, has here been painted to show his extraordinary wealth. The rich red of his hat represents Italian silk velvet, his striking blue robe resembles the heavy wool cloth produced in Northern Europe, and his tunic below is made of green silk and gold thread. Vibrant dyes were a sign of quality and expense. Which rich colors will you choose for this well-travelled king?
Unknown Artist, Netherlandish (probably Antwerp), Balthazar, from an altarpiece depicting the Adoration of the Magi, ca. 1515,
Oil on oak panel, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art purchase; funds provided by the Eva Bernhardt Bequest 2018.16
Dutch Courtyard
This follower of the Dutch painter Pieter de Hooch has used the more subdued colors found in the landscapes of Northern Europe. The sun is low and behind the building, illuminating the ground below the archway and the courtyard beyond with a gentle warm glow and causing the street front where the viewer supposedly stands to be in shadow. Can you select warm and cool colors to represent the light?
Follower of Pieter de Hooch, Dutch, 1629 – 1684, Courtyard Scene, 17th century or later, Oil on panel,
Gift of Thomas Morgan Roberts in memory of his parents Emily Allen Roberts and James Thomas Roberts 2012.26.16
Download a printable pdf of the Dutch Courtyard HERE.