Mini Monets and Mommies: 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