Coloring Famous Artists’ Works with Children
Instead of reading to children about art history from boring books, giving them outlines of works by Van Gogh, Monet, or Picasso and asking them to color them in incredibly broadens their horizons.
Why is Art History Important?
Throughout history, art has been a way for people to express their thoughts, lifestyles, and emotions. Children who are introduced to the works of master artists at an early age develop a much more refined aesthetic perception.
Which Artists to Start With?
- Vincent van Gogh - The Starry Night: The swirling structure of the brushstrokes is very appealing to children. Watch them fill the sky with messy, rotating lines using yellow, navy, and light blue pencils.
- Claude Monet - Water Lilies: Ideal for children who love pastel colors. Painting the reflections on the water with purple and green tones teaches them about color mixing.
- Pablo Picasso: Cubism is one of the movements closest to a child’s world. Portraits where rules are broken, with eyes in one place and mouths in another, completely dismantle the internal pressure children feel to “draw correctly and perfectly.”
Advice for Parents
While coloring a piece, have short conversations with your child about the artist. Storytelling, like saying, “Did you know, the man who painted this loved nature so much that he always painted outdoors?” strengthens their bond with the artwork and the artist. Art is a playground; give them the opportunity to run in the footsteps of the masters!
