Famous Artist Activities for Kids

Famous artists. After years of working in a museum, I’m partial to using some of the greats as inspiration for kids’ art activities. It was super-easy when I had access to galleries filled with real works of art. So, if you’re going on a trip to the museum, these projects make great after-visit activities.

What if you’re not going to a museum or don’t live near one? Easy. Search or the artist and artwork online or get a book from your local library. If you don’t have the real deal, swapping in a picture of it works too.

Before your child begins the art-making, ask her a few questions about what she sees when she looks at the famous piece. Keep it open-ended, avoiding anything that has a simple “yes” or “no” answer. Try questions like these:

·        What do you think is going on in this picture?

·        What is happening?

·        What do you see?

·        How do you think the artist made this?

·        What materials do you think that the artist used?

·        Where do you think the artist was when he painted this?

Now that your child is ready to make her own famous art, here are a few of my favorites (click on the name of the activity to read a how-to):

Paul Klee paper and paint collage

Any Warhol Styrofoam tray prints

Jackson Pollock paint splatter

Icy Pollock paint splatter with color mixing

Van Gogh clay paint

Claude Monet cupcakes

Jackson Pollock cupcakes

 

Are you looking for more famous artist projects? Follow my Pinterest board for ideas!

Follow Mini Monets and Mommies's board Famous Artist Kids' Activities on Pinterest.