The focus painting for the 2024 exhibition is 'Surprised!' by Henri Rousseau.

A flash of lightning and a clap of thunder, a tiger crouches in thick jungle foliage with its back arched and teeth bared – but is it the hunter, or the hunted?

We will explore how this painting can be used to inspire learning across the curriculum, from art and literacy to science and geography. 

All sessions are free of charge.

This onsite training at the Gallery offers the opportunity to:

• Learn about the Take One Picture Programme, and facilitating child-led projects
• Investigate strategies for engaging children with paintings, such as looking, drawing and storytelling
• Use paintings to develop children’s visual literacy, enquiry and oracy skills
• Learn about this year’s focus painting and artist
• Explore the pedagogy and practice of using paintings as a rich resource for cross-curricular learning
• Receive a link to supporting resources, including a high-resolution image file of the focus painting
• Visit the National Gallery and take part in extended activities in front of the original paintings
• Further develop practical skills through drawing and making
• Network with teaching colleagues from across the country
• Receive a poster print of the focus painting

Columbia Threadneedle Investment