Ways for Kids to Make Art That Teaches Artists' Styles
Use kids arts & crafts activities to teach them about classic artists' style. While having fun with art projects there are many ways for kids to make art that has purpose and teaches them about famous artists. Use this project as one way to expose children to famous artists and teach them that artists have different styles. You do not need to be an expert on art styles. Utilize online resources about famous artists to assist you in showing them the different styles artists use. Fun and unique art pieces result from this kids arts & crafts activity for any age.
Instructions
1. Begin this kids arts & crafts project by exposing them to different styles of artists using books, exhibits and online resources. Some famous artists with both distinct styles and particularly familiar works include, Surrealist Salvador Dali ("The Persistence of Memory"), Realist Leonardo DaVinci ("Mona Lisa"), Impressionist Claude Monet ("Lily Pond"), Fauvist Henri Matisse ("The Snail"), Pointilist Paul Seurat ("Circus"), Pop Artist Andy Warhol ("Campbell's Soup Can"), Post Impressionist Vincent VanGogh ("Starry Night") and Cubist Pablo Picasso ("Dora Maar Au Chat"). Help children to become familiar with these artists, their different styles and famous works.
2. Have children choose two works of art, in different styles, that they like. Often kids arts & crafts activities have very rigid directions. Boost imagination and higher level thinking by finding ways for kids to make imaginative choices about art. Ask them a "What if..." question in the form of "What if the artist ___________ created that picture instead of artist _________? How do you think it would look?" For example, if your child chooses Picasso's "Dora Maar Au Chat" and DaVinci's "Mona Lisa," ask the question "What if Picasso had painted the "Mona Lisa" instead of DaVinci. Can you create what you think Picasso's "Mona Lisa" would look like?"
3. At this point in the project, let their imaginations run wild. Use any kids arts & crafts supplies that you have on hand. Any media works for this project. Force yourself not to find ways for kids to make their picture. Allow them to use their imaginations and combine media if they wish. Surprisingly wonderful creations immerge from this project when adults step aside.
