John William Waterhouse Art Unit Study (Free to Print)
Get ready for an immersive art experience crafted especially for elementary students!
While most art studies are designed for high schoolers, this unique collection invites younger learners — from Kindergarten to 6th grade — into the captivating world of English painter John William Waterhouse.
Our first unit study, based on the iconic painting The Lady of Shalott, is completely free for email subscribers and offers a hands-on, literature-rich way to explore art history.
The complete bundle includes four additional studies and is available for purchase at a good price in our shop.
Why This Art Study Stands Out
This isn’t your typical art appreciation worksheet.
Each painting becomes the heart of its own mini unit, full of creative learning opportunities for younger students — and especially perfect for Charlotte Mason-inspired homeschools, literature-rich classrooms, or visual learners.
This series invites young learners into a world of poetry, music, beauty, and storytelling, all through the lens of Waterhouse’s iconic work.
Whether you’re gathering around the kitchen table or including this in your homeschool lesson plans, supplementing your classroom, or planning field trips to a local museum, this collection is a great way to bring fine art into daily life.
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What’s Included in Each Unit Study?
This Waterhouse series is meant to meet younger learners where they are — with just the right balance of beauty, creativity, and structure.
It’s a great way to begin integrating fine art, poetry, music, and handwriting into your daily rhythm, especially if you follow a Charlotte Mason philosophy.
Each Waterhouse unit is centered around one painting and includes:
- A full-size printable of the painting for picture study
- Artist mini biography: Meet J. W. Waterhouse, an English painter known for his Pre-Raphaelite style, mythological themes, and depictions of women
- Extension Activities (tailored for younger and older elementary students)
- Tailored Poetry & Literature Study
- Classical Music Pairing
- Creative Writing Prompts
- Copywork (Print & Cursive)
- Spelling & Vocabulary (with definitions and writing activities)
- Handwriting Practice (Print & Cursive)
- Memorization & Recitation Ideas
- Printable Painting Puzzle (for fine motor + memory fun)
All activities connect back to the painting for a cohesive and Charlotte Mason-inspired learning experience.
What Paintings Are Included?
- The Lady of Shalott – Free to subscribers
Arthurian legend meets romantic tragedy in this haunting scene inspired by Tennyson’s famous poem. - The Soul of the Rose – Included in the full set
A tender moment of scent and longing, paired with poetry and musical notes of nostalgia. - Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May – Included in the full set
Inspired by the fleeting nature of time, this piece connects beautifully with Robert Herrick’s poetry. - Windflowers – Included in the full set
A moment of reflection and movement in nature, tied to mythology and gentle melodies. - Miranda – The Tempest – Included in the full set
Shakespeare’s classic storm scene brought to life in visual form, perfect for story-loving kids.
Purchase the Complete Set
How to Get the Free Printable
The first study, The Lady of Shalott, is exclusive to email subscribers — simply sign in through the site (powered by Grow.me) and you’ll instantly unlock the download link. It’s an easy way to access all the free printables on the site!
The complete bundle of five unit studies is available for purchase — a great addition to your homeschool curriculum, co-op, or classroom lesson plans.
After signing up in the box below, sign in, and gain immediate access to the entire site of free printables! (You may need to refresh your screen.) If you’re having trouble accessing the printables feel free to check out this FAQ section.
Printing Tips for Best Results
To get the most out of your Waterhouse art unit study — especially the full-size art prints — here are a few quick tips to ensure high-quality, frame-worthy results:
- Use high-resolution PDF files included in the download (not just preview images).
- For best print quality, use heavyweight matte photo paper or premium presentation paper. Cardstock works too, especially for classroom use.
- Set your printer to “best” or “high quality” mode in the settings.
- Select actual size or 100% scale to ensure accurate sizing (avoid “fit to page”).
- If using double-sided print features (for copywork or vocabulary sheets), select flip on the short edge.
- Want gallery-quality results? Take the file to a local print shop or upload it to an online service like Staples or FedEx Office for professional output.
Whether you’re adding these to a student binder or hanging them on the wall for picture study, a high-quality print will make a big difference!
About Julie
She’s a homeschool graduate, mother of five, designer, and educator. Inspired by classic books, art, music, and nature, she creates thoughtful, engaging resources to support parents and educators in teaching with intention and wonder.
