Exploring The Great Artists - 30+ Art Projects for Kids - Red Ted Art

Introducing the Great Artist to my kids is something that has been on my agenda for a long long long time. My kids are only 4yrs and 2yrs old, so of course there is still plenty of time. However, this hasn’t stopped me buying lots of wonderful art books for children (amongst our current favourites are Kate and the Mona Lisa and Anna’s Art Adventure), as well as going on trips to art galleries (our most memorable trip being to the very welcoming Tate Britain, but also a couple of visits with Granny to the Royal Academy).

Now I am keen to “up the ante”. We have had a look at “real” paintings before and then had a go at painting our own (specifically we did a “Klimt” painting, that Red Ted LOVES), but I have never really approached “The Great Artists” formally with my kids and I wasn’t sure how to write about it here for you.

My background is NOT in education and it is NOT in art. So, sometimes I am a little intimidated by those that do have a background in art or education and I worry “will I do it right?” and “what IS the right way?” and “If I talk about it here, will I get told, I am not doing it right?”.

But when it comes to children, in particular young children, you cannot go wrong by:

* Simply exposing your children to art – whether it is going to a gallery or looking at a statue in your shopping centre.

* Simply having a go – if you see something and it makes you want to have a go, in whatever form you choose – surely that is good and there is no real right or wrong.

* Encourging an interest in art by asking your child lots of questions (“What colours do you like best?” “What do you think that is?” “What are they doing?” What is your favourite bit?” “How does it make you feel?”).

So. What is the best way of helping your child create art that is inspired by the Great Artists? This is the beginning of our journey. I have a number of lovely teacher bloggy friends keen and willing to share their experiences with me (some of whose sites you will find linked below). I also have a number of educational art books stacked up to read. And I invite you to join our journey with us.

“Take your child’s journey, as an opportunity to learn yourself“. A child doesn’t mind if you don’t know something and it is a great way to brush up on your own knowledge!

To begin with, I have pulled together a collection of posts for inspiration – from people with all sorts of backgrounds – some in education, some not. Some may have a formal approach, some do not.

What they have in common, is that they are sharing their interest and love for art with their children and that together they are being creative. No right. No wrong. Just having a go. Why don’t you?

So. To the Great Artist Round Up!

I have always shown “originals” by the artist. Please visit the links to explore what the children created. The art activities listed are in no particular order. I am sure you will be impressed – without being intimidated! You will find lots of different approaches and techniques. Which goes to show that there are lots of different ways of exploring art with your children! Exploring artists, doesn’t always mean, that the children “should” copy the style or painting, but for example could also mean making a puzzle out a print or acting out a story. The main thing is to enjoy the art and be inspired!