A blue colored in wave.

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

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

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

A printed page with a wave. Other materials used for the craft are set up as well.

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.

Colored in wave template.

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.

Printed page with shaving cream and glue.

STEP 4

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

A hand painting the shaving cream onto the wave using a q-tip.