Suggested Activities:

~See some of Benson's works at the Peabody Essex Museum.

~Not as aesthetic...but larger examples can be found at All Posters.com (type Benson in the search 
bar on top and hit enter).

~Maybe print out a picture to hang on the refrigerator or to make a 
collage on a piece of poster board.

~Read the biography on Frank Benson but give a SYNOPSIS...it will bore a 
child to tears.

~He was born in Massachussettes...find it on a map of the U.S.

~He studied in Paris, France...find France on a globe.  Let the child know that France was a "cultural mecca" for artists at the time.

~Mention that Benson was an "impressionist".  Impressionists liked to 
paint outdoors to "catch" and paint different types of light. 

~Explain that Benson often times painted portraits.  Take turns 
sitting for and coloring a portrait.

~Paint outside. 

~Follow up with a trip to the library or book store. 

~Talk about any Benson picture that you may find...

• Does it use light colors or dark colors?
• Is it finely detailed or fuzzy?
• What are the people, animals, things doing?
• Do you like it?
• How does it make you feel?