Take your homeschool study to the next level with this Pride and Prejudice art tutorial—the perfect way to bring the book to life!
Pride and Prejudice is one of the most beloved novels of all time, and for good reason. A story about two people who can’t see eye-to-eye overcoming their prejudices, it’s no wonder this tale has become a classic! With witty banter, characters that feel so alive they might step off the page, it’s also a perfect way to introduce classic literature in your homeschool, as the vivid characters, laugh-out-loud humor, and gentle wisdom of Jane Austen continue to captivate readers of all ages.
And what better way to make the story come to life in your homeschool than through this hands-on homeschool art project? Your kids will be able to unleash their creativity and create memories that will last long after the paint has dried!
About the Book
Published in 1813, Pride and Prejudice captures the story of two people who, at first glance, couldn’t seem more different, overcoming their faults and false assumptions about each other.
Elizabeth Bennett is a headstrong, feisty protagonist who dislikes what she believes to be Mr. Darcy’s arrogant demeanor—but soon comes to realize that there is more to him than he seems.
Mr. Darcy, on the other hand, is a nobleman whose affections are initially spurned by the daring Miss Bennett, and he learns to overcome his pride and treat those around him with greater respect. Together, they learn that first impressions aren’t everything… and that sometimes, love can be found in the most unexpected places.
The Art Lesson: Pride and Prejudice Silhouettes
Step into the refined world of Jane Austen with this Pride and Prejudice homeschool art lesson, which combines literature and creativity as students explore themes of love, character, and personal growth through art. Kids and teens will design elegant silhouette portraits of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy: an art project that beautifully captures the timeless charm and romance of Austen’s beloved novel.
Why Art and Story Work So Well Together
Art gives your children permission to step into the pages of a book, going beyond passively reading a story to actively taking inspiration from it to create their own versions of the characters. This helps them invest in the world of the novel, and slow down to notice things they normally wouldn’t, taking greater interest in the themes and emotions found within its pages. By creating these silhouettes, your children will:
- Connect Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett’s characters on a greater level, asking questions like “What do they look like?” “How do they see each other at the start of the story versus at the end?”
- Immerse themselves in the book on a deeper level.
- Go from just reading the book to creating a tactile, physical reminder of what they learned in the story.
- Turn reading into a personal, fun experience.
It’s an easy way to get your kids to connect with reading in a creative and meaningful way!
How to Use This in Your Homeschool
Here are a few easy ways to make the most of this lesson:
Read-aloud parts of the story before you begin the art lesson so the characters are fresh on your minds.
Discuss Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy’s perceived differences. What makes them unable to see each other clearly at first? What changes throughout the course of the story?
Allow your children to get creative, doing what art does best and using it as an opportunity to experiment with colors, techniques, and their own take on the art lesson and characters.
Display the finished works! Perhaps hang them up in a small corner of your homeschool room, or place them in a spot on your bookshelf—wherever you choose will help create a visual reminder of what they learned while reading the book!
Ready to Dive a Little Deeper into the Regency Era?
This craft and recipe are the perfect way to expand your Pride and Prejudice art study to create a day (or several) filled with Regency-themed activities you won’t soon forget! Plus, who doesn’t want to linger a little longer in the world of Jane Austen, especially when there is food involved? 😉
Bake Queen Cakes: a Regency-Era Classic
Photo credit: AaliyahsAaronsMum for food.com
Queen Cakes are a classic Regency-era treat, something Jane Austen herself may have eaten at tea times! They are simple to make, yet absolutely delicious, and this recipe from Food.com is a wonderful way to make Pride and Prejudice a tactile experience—something your kiddos can smell, taste, and touch! We recommend making this recipe, then reading passages of the book together as a family for a unique learning experience!
Learn How to Fold a Regency Letter!
Many of the most iconic scenes in Pride and Prejudice happen when news is delivered through letters, whether it be Mr. Darcy’s famous letter to Elizabeth after his confession, or the heartbreaking letter that Elizabeth Bennet receives when she learns that Lydia has run away. Make your own Regency-inspired letter (you can even create copywork from letters or quotes from the book to put inside) with this gorgeous tutorial from Note and Wish! If you prefer written instructions, you can find them in the link below!
Supplies List:
- A4 sheet of paper
- Sealing stamp (for teens and older kids, you can use real wax and a stamp, but for younger ones, we recommend stickers or premade seals)!
Create Lasting Memories with this Pride and Prejudice Themed Art Lesson!
Pride and Prejudice provides wonderful opportunities for your family to reflect on personal growth, assumptions, and connection. Combining reading with art in your homeschool lessons helps solidify these concepts in your children’s minds, creating a beautiful memento of your time spent learning together.
So grab your book, and your art supplies, and bring fresh inspiration into your homeschool with this lesson today!
