Art history is not just for college art majors. Toddlers and preschoolers can learn a lot from art, including confidence and fine motor skills.
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My art class allows 2-5 year olds to explore art and engage the senses to help them understand the world around them. Exploring famous artists and their work allows kids to see that they are capable of making beautiful, creative artwork. Plus, exploring famous artists provides a unique way to teach children about basic art techniques.
Piet Mondrian
Explore shapes and colors with this fun Mondrian-inspired art project.
Paul Klee
Inspired by Paul Klee’s “Red Bridge,” this paint activity allows kids to paint with a unique paintbrush – blocks!
Georges Seurat
This art inspired by Georges Seurat is not only a wonderful activity for introducing Seurat and pointillism but also for learning about circles. Plus, you probably already have all of the materials at home: toy bricks, washable paint, and a canvas/paper!
Claude Monet
This Claude Monet inspired finger painting, however, is sure to turn into a masterpiece with the right colors, negative space, and a little direction.
Coco Chanel
Practice fine motor skills and create art with this process art activity, and, learn about a unique artist – Coco Chanel!
Vincent van Gogh
Toddlers and preschoolers can make this van Gogh artwork using three materials: a canvas/paper, paint, and plants!
Damien Hirst
Damien Hirst’s Ascended is a great piece little artists can get inspiration from while still enjoying the process of painting. (And improve small motor skills at the same time!) Try it here!
Henri Matisse
This is an awesome project to introduce a really cool artist, as well as introduce some scissors practice! (Plus, I threw in some painting because kids love, love, love to paint.)
Michelangelo
Sculptures, sculptures, sculptures! There are many artists who crafted sculptures, so feel free to pick your favorite as your inspiration! For this sculpture craft, we used Crayola Model Magic and skewers to make these really fun and eye-catching sculptures!
We have more art history crafts!
- Frida Kahlo fabric flowers
- August Macke watercolor paintings
- Robert Indiana letter art
- Betsy Ross flags
- Gerhard Richter squeegee paintings
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