Using Art to Inspire Poetry Lesson Plan

Using Artwork to Inspire Poetry:

A poem based on a picture or work of art is called an ekphrasis. According to the Poetry Foundation website:

“An ekphrastic poem is a vivid description of a scene or, more commonly, a work of art. Through the imaginative act of narrating and reflecting on the ‘action’ of a painting or sculpture, the poet may amplify and expand its meaning.”

Poetry Foundation

For inspiration, start by sharing the following poems and the artwork that inspired each poem:

     The Starry Night by Anne Sexton/The Starry Night painting by Vincent Van Gogh

     Hotel Room by Victoria Chang/ Hotel Room painting by Edward Hopper

     Cezanne's Ports by Allen Ginsberg/The Gulf of Marseilles Seen from L’Estaque’ by Paul Cezanne

     The Great Wave: Hokusai by Donald Finkel/The Great Wave off Kanagawa painting by Katsushika Hokusai

     Nighthawks by Anne Carson/Nighthawks by Edward Hopper

Student Activity:

Students choose a piece of artwork. This can be art found on the internet or in combination with a trip to a local art museum.

Using that art, students write an original poem.

Share your original poetry and artwork celebrating the best of Humanity with MY HERO's Global Audience using the Create Program.