Art History for Kids

I am so excited to be joining in on a fun Kid Blogger Network Series, “The ABC’s of…”  Over 60 creative bloggers have created the ABC’s of various kids topics in the following categories: Learning through Play, Arts & Crafts, Literacy & Language, Mama Tips & Tricks, and School Activities.  With my background as an art teacher and passion for art, I thought it’d be fun to share some resources for moms (and teachers) art history for kids.  Without further ado…

The ABC’s of Art History for Kids

A - Art History Apps

• The world of apps for iPhones, iPods, and iPads has really opened up the opportunity for kids to experience art history in a fun and interactive way.  Try Van Gogh and The Sunflowers or Art Collector.

B - Children’s Books

• There are hundreds of children’s books featuring famous works of art; from board books like Art for Baby for the littlest ones to kid-friendly biography series, Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists.  Check out our picks of more great children’s books about art history.  

C – Cave Painting

• Line the walls with brown craft paper (like this art teach did) and let the kids do some cave painting. 

D – Dress Up Like Famous Artists

• Use simple thrift store finds to help the kids dress up like their favorite famous artists.  Find some inspiration for little artists costumes at oh happy day. 

E – Expressionism

• Have kids think about what sounds LOOK like while they create colorful abstract expressionist art like these examples from Art Lessons for Kids.

F – Frida Kahlo

• Read the children’s book, Frida, and then let the kids draw self-portraits in bed just like Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo, did.

G – Greek Pottery

• Learn about the art of ancient Greece while making Paper Mache Greek Vases. 

 

 

H - David Hockney

• Have the kids use photographs to create a collage in the style of Modern artist, David Hockey. 

I – Impressionism

• Show your child how to paint like an Impressionist by holding their paintbrush in different ways to many interesting brush strokes.

J – Jackson Pollock

• Send your kids outside with some watered down paint, paint brushes and a canvas or big sheet of paper to make some splatter paintings like Jackson Pollock. 

K - Gustav Klimt

• Read Klimt and His Cat, and then use gold and metallic markers on dark paper to make a tree of life in the style of Gustav Klimt. 

 

 

L – Leonardo da Vinci

• Paint a fresco in fresh wet plaster just like famous artist, Leonardo da Vinci. 

M – Mondrian

• Focus on geometric shapes, black lines, and primary colors to make modern art like Piet Mondrian. 

N – Nature Art

• Use natural materials while on a nature walk to make art like Andy Goldsworthy. 

O – O‘Keefe

• Set up a still life of flowers and have the kids choose one to focus on while drawing and painting it in the style of Georgia O’Keefe.

P – Pop Art

• Give the kids some dot markers to make Roy Lichtenstein inspired Pop Art.

Q - Story Quilt

• Show your kids the quilt-like illustrations by Faith Ringgold in her children’s book, Tar Beach, and then have them illustrate a story from their life.

R –  Renaissance Art

• Learn about the Renaissance and play interactive games at The Renaissance Connection from Allentown Art Museum.

S - Georges Seurat

• Let the kids use watercolors and cotton swabs to make pointillism art like George Seurat. 

T – Timeline of Art History

• Find timelines to help in teaching kids about art history at The Usual Mayhem. 

U – Unity in Art History

• Explore how artists throughout history have used the Elements and Principles of Design to create unity in their work. 

V – Visit Art History Museums

• It’s important for children to see art first hand.  Check your local area for an art museum, eve just a small one, to get your child in front of real art.  Or visit Google Art Project for a virtual museum experience.  

W - Andy Warhol

• Use your camera phone and a photo editing app or software to make Andy Warhol inspired Pop Art photos of your kids. 

X – X-Ray Art

• Use chalk or white gel pens to create X-Ray art on black paper inspired by contemporary artist, Nick Veasey. 

Y – Young Children in Art History

• The kids will relate to the art more if they see young children in it, too.  Check out I AM A CHILD for tons of examples of children in art from many time periods. 

Z – ZAP Stereotypes of What Art Should Be!

• The more art from history you expose your child to, the broader her definition of art and creativity will become.  So, GO, Mama, explore some art with your little one!

Find all of the ABCs series at This Reading Mama or check out just the great Arts & Crafts posts here…

ARTS & CRAFTS:

• Art History for Kids from B-Inspired Mama
• Cardboard Box Creations from Here Come The Girls
• Children’s Music With Art from Rainbows within Reach
• Crafts and Art from Red Ted Art
• Crafting on a Budget from Housing a Forest
• Creativity from Little Artists
• Paper Plates from Domestic Goddessque
• Toddler Crafts from Rainy Day Mum
• Upcycled and Recycled Crafts from Craft to Art
• Valentine Crafts and Recipes from Local Fun For Kids

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