Maud Lewis is one of my most favorite artists. She was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, and although she was riddled with arthritis from a young age, it didn’t stop her from painting her colorful maritime surroundings. I love introducing Lewis to my Californian students not only because I get to point out Nova Scotia on the map (my birthplace!) but also to tell her story of how she overcame obstacles to become one of Canada’s most prolific folk artists.

Your students will love her story and I included a few links to help you tell her story in the classroom. The art lessons feature two of her most popular images with kids; Three Black Cats and Bird with Apple Blossoms and her iconic lighthouse and harbor scenes.

Three drawing guides of her artwork that inspired each lesson are included in the packet. These resources really help break down the process for kids and makes teaching the lesson so much easier.