Fourth-graders Showcase Impressionist Impressions

"These fourth-graders' paintings are better than the originals!"

That was one of the comments overheard at Cumberland's art gallery event Wednesday afternoon, where fourth-grade students presented their acrylic paintings based on the works of impressionist or impressionist-inspired masters.

The 100 fourth-grade students at Cumberland School spent a total of five hours in Julie Purney's Cumberland art classes trying to replicate the works of Monet, Van Gogh and other great impressionist painters – first, by sketching out their drawing on a canvas panel, then eventually adding the colors of acrylic paints.

The students also spent time in the library researching their artists, which came in handy during Wednesday's art gallery event. Almost like a real gallery night, the students stood by their artwork and explained to their guests how they created their painting and what they learned through their research.

Purney said she was impressed by all of the students' work in the project, and plans on hosting a similar art gallery event next year.