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Kids Get Arty: Karel Appel

September 1, 2021

Welcome back to another Kids Get Arty post -a bi monthly challenge all about exploring real artists, discussing and then having a “go” in the style of that artists! You can find more information on the Kids Get Arty page – including all our previous art projects for kids, which include Andy Warhol, Andy Goldsworthy, David Hockney, Klimt and Banksy. Today we have an art project by Karel Appel, which is rather handy.. as one of Appel’s “things” was to paint in the style of children. See where are coming from?

Karel Appel inspired Junk Collage
First shared in March 2013

I confess, to not really know Karel Appel particularly before this project, but I had seen it for short piece of work I did for Tate Modern a few months ago, and thought that his work and style would appeal to Red Ted.

Appel was Dutch painter, born in 1921. He studied art in Holland during the German occupation in 1940- 1943. He joined the CoBrA avant-garde movement, who were also known for their “childish and spontaneous” style. He created “Questioning Children” in 1949 for the Amsterdam Town Hall, which caused so much controversy it was covered up for 10 years!

great artists for kids

Appel frequently used “junk” in his artwork, which is something that Red Ted ADORES collecting. So I thought this would make a great piece of art for us to look at and have a go at.

We do need another visit to Tate Modern soon, so we can see it in real life!

Appel, used on old wooden window shutter and pieces of wooden – items that he found in and around the area that he lived in. We hunted around the house and found some old cardboard, some matchboxes of different sizes and some bottle tops and plastic spoons.

Karel Appel - Art with Kids

(ahem, yes we are in PJs… we did this one Sunday  morning!)

1) Red Ted and I cut out a piece of large card. I let Red Ted do as much cutting as possible. I then cut out a smaller piece for Pip Squeak to join in with too.

Karel Appel Collage - Art with Kids

2) Layer 1: Red Ted the chose a base colour – he went for Red. Using my acrylics, the children painted the base. We let it dry.

Junk Collage for Kids

3) Layer 2: Once dry, we looked at the “junk” we had. We discussed Appel’s art and what we could see. Red Ted liked the little blue bird (dog?) at the bottom and said he wanted some bunnies in his artwork. The “people” he said, were “robots”. I think Pip Squeak was less discerning and just piled on as much stuff as possible on her picture. I glued it on for them with a hot glue gun (though a good PVA would work too).

4) Layer 3: The kids then got painting. I asked Red Ted what colours he wanted and he chose them all. Ditto Pip Squeak. Again we let it all dry.

Art with kids

5) Layer 4: Then we came back for some details – Red Ted add some white eyes, legs and stripes. Pip Squeak started going “crazy” and painting with both hands at the same time. She was having rather a lovely time!!!

6) Layer 5: Once dried, Red Ted added finishing touches in black – some black pupils, some shoes, some more stripes. And DONE.

Karel Appel Art with Kids

It is interesting that at first Red Ted wanted to do everything really QUICKLY. He is very good at taking his time when he is drawing and colouring, painting for some reason meant to him “do big broad and rushed strokes”. I reminded him to take his time, the same way he does with colouring.

Karel Appel Junk Collage - Art with Kids

Both children also had a tendency to use the brush like pens – e.g. Pip Squeak wanted to paint and eye and was doing “circular” movements with the brush. I showed them how “dabbing the brush gently” also gives you a circle.

I love that the finished artwork took 5 layers – again, explaining a little about the process of art – that you don’t just do a 2 dimensional drawing all in one go, but that you think about the composition adding layers, as they dry and as you go along.

More Great Artists Projects here:

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Filed Under: Kids Get Arty, Preschoolers 16 Comments

Comments

  1. Becky @ Creatively Content says

    March 13, 2013 at 9:33 am

    Maggie, thanks for hosting these artsy parties. ๐Ÿ™‚ I really enjoy them and think it is great to have something that emphasis art and artist. BTW I love the ‘art’ your kiddos made.

    Reply
  2. Vicky says

    March 13, 2013 at 9:37 am

    These are brilliant! We will definitely be making some of these pictures ๐Ÿ™‚ x

    Reply
  3. Jen says

    March 13, 2013 at 12:29 pm

    Fabulous! We are off to the Art Gallery of Ontario..a major art gallery in Toronto…and I cannot wait to be inspired with my daughters. Thanks for hosting another Kids Get Arty…my girls really enjoyed learning about Picasso.

    Reply
  4. Vicky @ Mess For Less says

    March 13, 2013 at 2:42 pm

    If you are only looking for artist submissions this time feel free to delete my Easter Egg Match Up. I tried to do it myself, but could not. Never heard of Karel Appel before, but love what you did!

    Reply
    • Red Ted Art says

      March 13, 2013 at 3:43 pm

      Ah thanks Vicky, will delete them, but please do relink them next week!

      Reply
  5. Red Ted Art says

    March 13, 2013 at 2:42 pm

    Ooh fabulous everyone! Am looking forward to exploring your projects too!

    Reply
  6. Najeema Iman, I AM Curly Locks says

    March 13, 2013 at 4:39 pm

    Love Love Love this idea. I am always looking for frugal projects for my kiddos.

    Reply
  7. Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas says

    March 13, 2013 at 8:59 pm

    LOVE how you transformed junk into treasure in this piece of art! I have never heard of Appel and am curious to look for more of his work now to share with my girls. As always, it’s a pleasure co-hosting with you Maggy!

    Reply
  8. Jen Fischer says

    March 14, 2013 at 12:00 am

    So in love with these. Great use of interesting/recycled materials, which is my favorite way to do art as well. This would be the perfect art activity for us well..

    Reply
  9. Gaby says

    March 14, 2013 at 3:29 am

    I love those paintings your kids made; turning junk into art is my kind of thing ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  10. Emma @Mummymummymum says

    March 16, 2013 at 7:47 pm

    Maggy, these are great! I love the layering.

    I still need to write mine up, but I will do it soon. x

    Reply

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