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vincent van gogh

May 23, 2025 Leave a Comment

Artworks that Show Space

Inside: A curated collection of artworks that exemplify the use of space in art—demonstrating how artists create depth, perspective, and a sense of environment. This resource is part of our comprehensive Elements and Principles of Art series, designed to support and inspire your art lessons.

Space is a fundamental element that helps convey depth and dimension in art. Whether through perspective, overlapping, or the use of positive and negative areas, artists manipulate space to guide the viewer’s eye and create a sense of realism or abstraction.

In this post, you’ll find a variety of artworks showcasing different techniques to represent space, perfect for sparking discussion and analysis in your classroom.

👉 Want a printable to accompany these examples? Grab the free Elements & Principles Pack below. Just click the yellow Download button.

Free Resource!

* Elements & Principles Printable Pack *

The Elements & Principles of Art are the foundation of every artwork, but teaching them can be a bore. Wake your students up and engage them with full color artworks, easy to understand definitions, and thought-provoking higher level thinking questions. This versatile resource can be hung in the classroom or used as an art manipulative.

Download

Free Resource!

* Elements & Principles Printable Pack *

The Elements & Principles of Art are the foundation of every artwork, but teaching them can be a bore. Wake your students up and engage them with full color artworks, easy to understand definitions, and thought-provoking higher level thinking questions. This versatile resource can be hung in the classroom or used as an art manipulative.

Explore the full Elements of Art series for more resources and examples to enrich your curriculum.

For ready-to-use classroom activities, check out our printable art interpretation worksheets.

It’s Elements and Principles of Art time again! I’ve been working my way through all of the elements and principles of art in order to give you a one-stop resource to find great example artworks for each element and principle. So far, I’ve completed Line, Color, Shape, Balance, and Emphasis.

Today, we tackle Space. First, check out this other post I wrote about space last year. Then, check out the below list.

I will add to this list when I find more, so this is a good one to pin or bookmark! The horizontal picture collages do not have all the pictures from the categories.

Please note, this post includes Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Download the Free Elements and Principles Printable Pack


This pack of printables was designed to work in a variety of ways in your classroom when teaching the elements and principles of art. You can print and hang in your classroom as posters/anchor charts or you can cut each element and principle of art in its own individual card to use as a lesson manipulative.

Examples of Space in Art

The Art Curator for Kids -Artworks that Show Space - Vast Space and Overlapping

Space in Art Examples: Vast/Open Space

  • Caspar David Friedrich, Monk by the Sea, 1809
  • Andrew Wyeth, Christina’s World, 1948
  • Maruyama Okyo, Geese Over a Beach, 18th century
  • Sanford R. Gifford, Isola Bella in Lago Maggiore, 1871

Artworks that Show Space using Overlapping

  • John Sloan, South Beach Bathers, 1907-08
  • Horace Pippin, Man on a Bench, 1946
  • Trigo Piula, Ta Tele Gabon, 1988
  • Jacob Lawrence, The Library, 1960
The Art Curator for Kids -Artworks that Show Space - Relative Size and Vertical Position on the Picture Place

Space in Art Examples: Relative Size

  • John Sloan, South Beach Bathers, 1907-08
  • Ben Shahn, Italian Landscape, 1943-1944
  • Abraham Bloemaert, Shepherd Boy Pointing at Tobias and the Angel, c. 1625-1630
  • Pierre Adolphe Valette, Albert Square, Manchester, 1910

Artworks that Show Space using Vertical Position on the Picture Plane

  • John Sloan, South Beach Bathers, 1907-08
  • Andrew Wyeth, Christina’s World, 1948
  • Basawan and Chatar Muni, Akbar and the Elephant Hawai, ca. 1590
  • Tom Wesselmann, Still Life #12, 1962
  • Jacob Lawrence, The Library, 1960
The Art Curator for Kids -Artworks that Show Space - Flat Space and Foreshortening

Artworks with Flat/Shallow Space

  • Byzantine, Justinian and his Attendants, Basilica di San Vitale, 547 C.E
  • Giotto, Scrovegni Chapel Frescoes, ca. 1305
  • Henri Matisse, Red Room (Harmony in Red), 1908
  • Juan Gris, Violin and Playing Cards, 1913

Artworks with Foreshortening

  • Caravaggio, Conversion on the Way to Damascus, 1601
  • Andrea Mantegna, Lamentation Over the Dead Christ, c. 1501
  • James Montgomery Flagg, I want you for U.S. Army, c.1917
The Art Curator for Kids -Artworks that Show Space - Linear Perspective

Artworks with Linear Perspective

  • Masaccio, Trinity, 1427-28
  • Raphael, School of Athens, 1510
  • Meindert Hobbema, The Avenue at Middelharnis, 1689
  • Gustave Caillebotte, The Floor Scrapers, 1875
  • Leonardo da Vinci, Last Supper, 1498
  • Pietro Perugino, Christ Giving the Keys to St. Peter, 1481–1482
  • Dorothea Lange, The Road West, 1938
  • Salvador Dali, The Disintegration of The Persistence of Memory, 1952-54
  • Camille Pissarro, Place du Théâtre Français, Paris: Rain, 1898
  • Charles Sheeler, City Interior, 1936
  • Piero della Francesca, Ideal City, c. 1470
  • Filippo Brunelleschi, Perspective drawing for Church of Santo Spirito in Florence, c. 1428
  • Edith Hayllar, A Summer Shower, 1883
  • Vincent van Gogh, A Corridor in the Asylum, 1889
  • Anselm Kiefer, To the Unknown Painter, 1983

Artworks with Multipoint (2+) Perspective

  • Canaletto, Santa Maria Zobenigo, c.1765
  • Gustave Caillebotte, Paris: A Rainy Day, 1877
  • George Tooker, The Subway, 1950
  • Jan Vredeman de Vries, Studies in Perspective, c. 1604
The Art Curator for Kids -Artworks that Show Space - Aerial Perspective and Isometric Projection

Space in Art Examples: Atmospheric/Aerial Perspective

  • Leonardo da Vinci, Mona Lisa, c. 1503-19
  • Claude Lorrain, Landscape with Ruins, Pastoral Figures, and Trees, c. 1650
  • Albert Bierstadt, Sunrise, Yosemite Valley, c. 1870
  • Sanford R. Gifford, October in the Catskills, 1880
  • Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Hunters in the Snow, 1565
  • Pierre Adolphe Valette, Albert Square, Manchester, 1910

Space in Art Examples: Isometric Projection/Perspective

  • Chinese, Portraits of the Yongzheng Emperor Enjoying Himself during the 8th lunar month, Yongzheng period, 1723—35
  • Yi Eungnok, Scholar’s accoutrements (chaekgeori), c. 1860-1874
  • David Hockney, Self-Portrait With Blue Guitar, 1977

Space in Art Examples: Amplified/Exaggerated Perspective

  • Alexander Rodchenko, At the Telephone, 1928
  • Salvador Dalí, Christ of Saint John of the Cross, 1951
  • Giorgio de Chirico, Mystery and Melancholy of a Street, 1914
The Art Curator for Kids -Artworks that Show Space - Positive and Negative Space

Positive and Negative Space in Art

  • Henry Moore, Recumbent Figure, 1938
  • Eadweard Muybridge, Sallie Gardner at a Gallop, 1878
  • Alberto Giacometti, The Cage, 1930-31
  • Keith Haring, Pop Shop IV (Man with Hole), 1989
  • Andy Goldsworthy, Circles, Varied
  • Kenneth Snelson, Needle Tower, 1968
  • Sesshū Tōyō, Haboku-Sansui, 1495
  • Richard Serra, Sequence, 2006
  • Auguste Rodin, The Cathedral, 1908

Remember I will add to this, so don’t forget to pin this post! 🙂

💡 Looking for more comprehensive art appreciation resources?

Join the Curated Connections Library to access a wealth of lessons, activities, and professional development materials tailored for art educators.
👉 Learn more here

Do you have a great example to teach space? Share it with me in the comments, and I will add it to the list!

There you have it! The best space in art examples for your elements and principles of art lessons. Want more elements and principles of art teacher resources? Check out the below posts.

Elements and Principles Teaching Bundle

This extraordinary bundle includes the best resources for teaching each of the elements and principles—37 worksheets/handouts, 15 lessons (with accompanying PowerPoints and Handouts), 3 ready-to-go art analysis activities, 3 art analysis videos, and 13 elements and principle PDF articles.

Buy Now

For more elements and principles of art examples, visit the following resources:

The Art Curator for Kids -Example Artworks that Show Space - The Elements and Principles of Art Series-300The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks that Show Line - The Elements and Principles of Art - 300The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks that Show Emphasis - The Elements and Principles of Art SeriesElements and Principles of Art - Artworks that Show Proportion in art and ScaleThe Art Curator for Kids - Elements and Principles of Art Series - Artworks that Show Shape - 300The Art Curator for Kids - Why I Hate the Elements and Principles But Teach Them Anyway - 300The Art Curator for Kids - How Artists Depict Space - Masterpiece Monday - John Sloan , South Beach Bathers, 1907-1908, Art Lessons for Kids - Elements of Art Lessons

Filed Under: Elements and Principles of Art
Tagged With: abraham bloemaert, albert bierstadt, alberto giacometti, alexander rodchenko, andrea mantegna, andrew wyeth, andy goldsworthy, anselm keifer, auguste rodin, ben shahn, camille pissarro, canaletto, caravaggio, caspar david friedrich, charles sheeler, claude lorrain, david hockney, dorothea lange, eadward muybridge, edith hayllar, filippo brunelleschi, george tooker, giorgio de chirico, giotto, gustave caillebotte, henri matisse, henry moore, horace pippin, jacob lawrence, james montgomery flagg, jan vredeman de vries, john sloan, juan gris, keith haring, kenneth snelson, leonardo da vinci, maruyama okyo, masaccio, meindert hobbema, michelangelo, piero della francesca, pierre adolphe valette, pieter bruegel, pietro perugino, raphael, richard serra, salvador dali, sanford gifford, sesshū tōyō, tom wesselmann, trigo piula, vincent van gogh, yi eungnok

 

May 13, 2025 7 Comments

The Best Examples of Balance in Art: Symmetrical, Asymmetrical, and Radial

Inside: A curated collection of examples of balance in art—including symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial compositions. This resource is part of our comprehensive Elements and Principles of Art series, designed to support and inspire your art lessons.

Balance is a fundamental principle in art that helps create visual harmony and stability. Whether through symmetry, asymmetry, or radial designs, artists use balance to guide the viewer’s eye and evoke specific feelings.

In this post, you’ll find a variety of artworks demonstrating different types of balance, perfect for sparking discussion and analysis in your classroom.

👉 Want a printable to accompany these examples? Grab the free Elements & Principles Pack below. Just click the yellow “Download” button.

Free Resource!

* Elements & Principles Printable Pack *

The Elements & Principles of Art are the foundation of every artwork, but teaching them can be a bore. Wake your students up and engage them with full color artworks, easy to understand definitions, and thought-provoking higher level thinking questions. This versatile resource can be hung in the classroom or used as an art manipulative.

Download

Free Resource!

* Elements & Principles Printable Pack *

The Elements & Principles of Art are the foundation of every artwork, but teaching them can be a bore. Wake your students up and engage them with full color artworks, easy to understand definitions, and thought-provoking higher level thinking questions. This versatile resource can be hung in the classroom or used as an art manipulative.

Explore the full Elements of Art and Principles of Design series for more resources and examples to enrich your curriculum.

For ready-to-use classroom activities, check out our printable art interpretation worksheets.

Download the Free Elements and Principles Printable Pack


This pack of printables was designed to work in a variety of ways in your classroom when teaching the elements and principles of art. You can print and hang in your classroom as posters/anchor charts or you can cut each element and principle of art in its own individual card to use as a lesson manipulative.

What does balance mean in art?

Balance in art is just what is sounds like; it is the sense of stability in a work of art. To create balance in art, artists combine the visual components to ensure that one part of the artwork doesn’t completely overshadow the rest. Each choice made by the artist is a deliberate one in order to ensure equilibrium and balance in the art. Artists create this pleasing effect using the different types of balance in art listed below.

Symmetrical Balance in Art Examples

Symmetrical Balance in Art Examples

What is symmetrical balance in art? Symmetrical balance in art is when each half of the artwork is identical or very similar. Draw a line through the artwork and compare each side.

  • Cimabue, Santa Trinita Madonna, 1280-90
  • Pietro Perugino, Christ Giving the Keys to St. Peter, 1481–1482
  • American 19th Century, Cutout of Animals, second quarter 19th century
  • Frida Kahlo, Self-Portrait, 1940
  • Chokwe people, African, Chibinda Ilunga, mid-19th century
  • Naum Gabo, Untitled sculpture in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 1957
  • Georgia O’Keefe, Oriental Poppies, 1928
  • Diego Rivera, Flower Day, 1925
  • Ancient Greece, The Parthenon, 447-438 B.C.E.
  • Tapirapé, Cara Grande feather mask, c. 1960
  • Japan, Portrait sculpture of a Zen priest, 14th–15th century
  • M.C. Escher, many
  • Francis Bacon, Figure with Meat, 1909-92
  • Salvador Dalì, Mae West Lips Sofa, 1938
The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks the Show Balance - Asymmetrical Balance Examples

Asymmetrical Balance in Art Examples

What is asymmetrical balance in art? Asymmetrical balance in art is when each half is different but has equal visual weight. The artwork is still balanced. For example, in the Caravaggio (the picture in the right in the collage), the three men are balanced with Jesus on the left. Jesus is facing forward and in brighter light which balances out the three men in shadow.

  • James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Arrangement in Grey and Black: Portrait of the Painter’s Mother known as “Whistler’s Mother,” 1871
  • Caravaggio, The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, 1601-02
  • Georges Seurat, A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, 1884
  • Edgar Degas, The Rehearsal, 1877
  • Edgar Degas, Dancers Practicing at the Barre, 1876-77
  • Gian Lorenzo Bernini, David, 1623
  • Alexander Calder, Mobile, 1942
  • Yinka Shonibare, Dysfunctional Family, 1999
  • Katsushika Hokusai, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, c. 1829-32
  • Paul Strand, Abstraction, Twin Lakes, Connecticut, 1916
  • Ikebana, various
  • Vincent van Gogh, The Starry Night, 1889
  • Jacques-Louis David, Oath of the Horatii, 1785
  • Edward Hopper, Nighthawks, 1942
The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks the Show Balance - Radial Balance Examples

Radial Balance in Art Examples

What is radial balance in art? Radial balance in art is when there are equal parts that radiate out from the center. Think of it like pieces of pie. You will find in the examples of balance in art here that there can be many equal pieces–from 3 in the Charles II Charger to 16 in the Gothic Rose window!

  • Gothic Rose Windows
  • England, 17th century, Charger of Charles II in the Boscobel Oak, c. 1685
  • M.C. Escher, many
  • Mandalas, many
  • Melozzo da Forlì, St. Mark’s Sacristy, 1480s
The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks the Show Balance - Off-Balance Examples

Off-Balance or Unbalanced Artworks (kind of)

It’s hard to find artworks that are unbalanced by well-known artists. These teeter on the edge between asymmetrically-balanced and unbalanced. It’s up for debate and would be a great discussion with your students!

  • Edgar Degas, Race Horses, 1885-1888
  • Paul Cezanne, Still Life with Apples and a Pot of Primroses, c. 1890
  • Precolumbian, Presentation of Captives to a Maya Ruler, A.D. 785
  • John Singer Sargent, El Jaleo, 1882
  • Juan Sánchez Cotán, Quince, Cabbage, Melon, and Cucumber, 1602
  • Judith Leyster, A Boy and Girl with a Cat and an Eel, c. 1635
  • Paulus Potter, The Bull, 1647
  • Harmen Steenwyck, Still Life: An Allegory of the Vanities of Human Life, c. 1640

Do you have great examples of balance in art? Share them with me in the comments, and I will add it to the list!

💡 Looking for more comprehensive art appreciation resources?

Join the Curated Connections Library to access a wealth of lessons, activities, and professional development materials tailored for art educators.
👉 Learn more here

Elements and Principles Teaching Bundle

This extraordinary bundle includes the best resources for teaching each of the elements and principles—37 worksheets/handouts, 15 lessons (with accompanying PowerPoints and Handouts), 3 ready-to-go art analysis activities, 3 art analysis videos, and 13 elements and principle PDF articles.

Buy Now


There you have it! The best examples of balance in art for your elements and principles of art lessons. Want more elements and principles of art teacher resources? Check out the below posts.



The Art Curator for Kids -Example Artworks that Show Space - The Elements and Principles of Art Series-300The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks that Show Line - The Elements and Principles of Art - 300The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks that Show Emphasis - The Elements and Principles of Art SeriesElements and Principles of Art - Artworks that Show Proportion in art and ScaleThe Art Curator for Kids - Elements and Principles of Art Series - Artworks that Show Shape - 300The Art Curator for Kids - Why I Hate the Elements and Principles But Teach Them Anyway - 300The Art Curator for Kids - How Artists Depict Space - Masterpiece Monday - John Sloan , South Beach Bathers, 1907-1908, Art Lessons for Kids - Elements of Art Lessons

Filed Under: Elements and Principles of Art
Tagged With: alexander calder, caravaggio, cimabue, diego rivera, edgar degas, edward hopper, francis bacon, frida kahlo, georges seurat, georgia o'keeffe, gian lorenzo bernini, harmen steenwyck, jacques-louis david, james whistler, john singer sargent, juan sánchez cotán, judith leyster, leonardo da vinci, m.c. escher, naum gabo, paul cezanne, paul strand, paulus potter, pietro perugino, salvador dali, vincent van gogh, yinka shonibare

 

May 8, 2025 8 Comments

Artworks that Show Line

I don’t know about you, but I often find myself needing to teach a lesson on one of the elements and principles of art, but it takes a bit of digging to find good examples of art that teach that particular element. To help those in that situation, I have created an elements and principles series that includes lists of example artworks you can use in your elements and principles of art lessons.

Finding the right artwork to teach the elements of art can take time. That’s why I created this Elements & Principles series—to help you skip the endless search and get straight to powerful, conversation-starting artworks.

Below, you’ll find artworks that clearly demonstrate the many types of line—perfect for your next lesson or student project.

👉 Want a printable to go with it? Grab the free Elements & Principles Pack below. Click the yellow “Download” button.

Free Resource!

* Elements & Principles Printable Pack *

The Elements & Principles of Art are the foundation of every artwork, but teaching them can be a bore. Wake your students up and engage them with full color artworks, easy to understand definitions, and thought-provoking higher level thinking questions. This versatile resource can be hung in the classroom or used as an art manipulative.

Download

Free Resource!

* Elements & Principles Printable Pack *

The Elements & Principles of Art are the foundation of every artwork, but teaching them can be a bore. Wake your students up and engage them with full color artworks, easy to understand definitions, and thought-provoking higher level thinking questions. This versatile resource can be hung in the classroom or used as an art manipulative.

Inside: A curated list of artworks that show the different types of line in art—including implied lines, gesture lines, contour lines, expressive lines, and more. 

👉 This post is part of the Elements of Art series—explore them all to build a complete foundation for your classroom.

Download the Free Elements and Principles Printable Pack

This pack of printables was designed to work in a variety of ways in your classroom when teaching the elements and principles of art. You can print and hang in your classroom as posters/anchor charts or you can cut each element and principle of art in its own individual card to use as a lesson manipulative.

Examples of Types of Line in Art

The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks the Show Types of Line in Art - General

Artworks that Show Line, General

  • Richard Long, A Line Made by Walking, 1967
  • Richard Long, Cornish Slate Line, 1990
  • Frank Stella, Jarama II, 1982
  • Roy Lichtenstein, Brushstroke, 1965
  • Charles Sheeler, Classic Landscape, 1931
  • Joan Miró, The Farm, 1921–1922
  • Rembrandt van Rijn, Two Studies Of A Bird Of Paradise, 1630
  • John Singer Sargent, El Jaleo, 1882
The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks the Show Line - Horizontal and Vertical Lines in Art

Horizontal and Vertical Lines in Art

  • Stonehenge, ca. 2600-2000 B.C.E.
  • Ancient Greece, The Parthenon, 447-438 B.C.E.
  • Frank Lloyd Wright, Fallingwater, 1936-7
  • Piet Mondrian, Composition in Red, Blue, and Yellow, 1937-42
  • Byzantine, Justinian and his Attendants, Basilica di San Vitale, 547 C.E
The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks the Show Line - Diagonal Lines in Art

Diagonal Lines in Artworks

  • Edgar Degas, Blue Dancers, c. 1899
  • Gustave Caillebotte, Le Pont de L’Europe, 1881-1882
  • Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith Slaying Holofernes, 1614–20
  • Franz Marc, Fate of the Animals, 1913
  • Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, The Crucifixion of Saint Peter, 1600-1601
  • Francisco Goya, The Forge, c. 1817
  • Rembrandt van Rijn, Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq, known as the ‘Night Watch’, 1642
The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks the Show Line - Contour Lines and Outlines

Contour Lines and/or Outlines

  • Leonardo da Vinci, Self-Portrait, c. 1512
  • Paul Signac, Still Life with Pitcher, 1919
  • Carl Krull, Olmec Drawings and Scroll Drawings
  • Yoruba artist, Shrine Head, 12th-14th century
  • Andy Warhol, Red Lenin, 1987
  • Amedeo Modigliani, Jacques and Berthe Lipchitz, 1916

Gesture Lines, Lines that Show Movement

  • Jean-Honoré Fragonard, The Swing, 1767
  • Utagawa Hiroshige, The Whirlpools of Awa: Naruto Rapids, ca. 1853
  • Giacomo Balla, Dynamism of a Dog on a Leash (Leash in Motion), 1912
  • Natalia Goncharova, The Cyclist, 1913
  • Henri Matisse, Dance (I), 1909
  • Marino Marini, Miracle (Miracolo), 1952
  • Jacob Lawrence, Harriet Tubman Series, No. 4, 1939-40
  • Keith Haring, Untitled, 1985

Want to explore how line leads the eye and creates movement in art? Check out these rhythm in art examples to see visual flow in action.

Lines that Help Guide The Viewer’s Eye through the Picture and/or Implied Lines

  • Marc Chagall, I and the Village, 1911
  • Georges de La Tour, The Cheat with the Ace of Clubs, late 1620s
  • Frederic Remington, Dash for the Timber, 1889
  • Suzanne Caporael, Seeing Things: Rain, 1990
  • Fernando Botero, The Musicians, 1991
  • Grant Wood, Parson Weems’ Fable, 1939

Lines that Show Feeling/Emotion, Expressive Lines

  • Vincent van Gogh, The Starry Night, 1889
  • Mark Di Suvero, Are Years What? (for Marianne Moore), 1967
  • Jean-Michel Basquiat, Untitled, 1984
  • Egon Schiele, Portrait of Paris von Gütersloh, 1918
  • Odilon Redon, Death: “My irony surpasses all others!”, 1889
  • Jackson Pollock, Lavender Mist No. 1, 1950
The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks the Show Line - Repetition and Pattern

Repetition of Line, Pattern Using Line, Decorative Line

  • Henri Matisse, Purple Robe and Anemones, 1937
  • Berenice Abbott, El, Second and Third Avenue Lines from the portfolio Retrospective, 1982
  • Aubrey Beardsley, The Peacock Skirt, 1893
  • Albrecht Dürer, The Rhinoceros, 1515
  • Benin, Memorial head, 1550-1650
  • Richard Anuszkiewicz, Deep Magenta Square, 1978
The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks the Show Line - Lines in Architecture

Lines in Architecture

  • Frank Lloyd Wright, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, NYC
  • Frank O. Gehry, Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain
  • Stonehenge, ca. 2600-2000 B.C.E.
  • Ancient Greece, The Parthenon, 447-438 B.C.E.
  • Frank Lloyd Wright, Fallingwater, 1936-1937

Lines in Sculpture

  • Kenneth Snelson, Needle Tower, 1968
  • Songye, Mask (kifwebe), 19th century AD
  • Mark Di Suvero, Are Years What? (for Marianne Moore), 1967
  • Benin, Memorial head, 1550-1650
  • Yoruba artist, Shrine Head, 12th-14th century
  • Marino Marini, Miracle (Miracolo), 1952

Lines that Show Texture and/or Shading

  • Vincent van Gogh, Garden of Flowers, 1888
  • Rembrandt Van Rijn, The Three Crosses, 1653
  • Käthe Kollwitz, Self Portrait, 1921

Lines that Show Space and/or Linear Perspective

  • Gustave Caillebotte, The Floor Scrapers, 1875
  • Leonardo da Vinci, Last Supper, 1498
  • Pietro Perugino, Christ Giving the Keys to St. Peter, 1481–1482
  • Dorothea Lange, The Road West, 1938

Lines the Show Emphasis

  • Grant Wood, Parson Weems’ Fable, 1939
  • Francisco Goya, Third of May, 1808
  • Jonathan Borofsky, Walking to the Sky, 2004
  • Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper, 1494-99
  • Richard Anuszkiewicz, Deep Magenta Square, 1978
  • Rembrandt van Rijn, Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq, known as the ‘Night Watch’, 1642
  • See more artworks that show emphasis.

💡 Want more done-for-you lessons like this?

The Curated Connections Library gives you full access to hundreds of art appreciation resources, trainings, and classroom-ready materials.
👉 Click here to learn more.

Elements and Principles Teaching Bundle

This extraordinary bundle includes the best resources for teaching each of the elements and principles—37 worksheets/handouts, 15 lessons (with accompanying PowerPoints and Handouts), 3 ready-to-go art analysis activities, 3 art analysis videos, and 13 elements and principle PDF articles.

Buy Now


There you have it! The best types of line in art examples for your elements and principles of art lessons. Want more elements and principles of art teacher resources? Check out the below posts.

The Art Curator for Kids -Example Artworks that Show Space - The Elements and Principles of Art Series-300The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks that Show Line - The Elements and Principles of Art - 300The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks that Show Emphasis - The Elements and Principles of Art SeriesElements and Principles of Art - Artworks that Show Proportion in art and ScaleThe Art Curator for Kids - Elements and Principles of Art Series - Artworks that Show Shape - 300The Art Curator for Kids - Why I Hate the Elements and Principles But Teach Them Anyway - 300The Art Curator for Kids - How Artists Depict Space - Masterpiece Monday - John Sloan , South Beach Bathers, 1907-1908, Art Lessons for Kids - Elements of Art Lessons

Photo Credits:

  • Stonehenge, Diego Delso
  • Parthenon, Steve Swayne
  • Laocoön and His Sons, LivioAndronico
  • Needle Tower, Onderwijsgek

Filed Under: Elements and Principles of Art
Tagged With: albrecht dürer, amedeo modigliani, andy warhol, artemisia gentileschi, aubrey beardsley, basquiat, caravaggio, carl krull, charles sheeler, dorothea lange, edgar degas, egon schiele, emile nolde, fernando botero, francisco goya, frank gehry, frank lloyd wright, frank stella, franz marc, frederic remington, georges de la tour, giacomo balla, gian lorenzo bernini, grant wood, gustave caillebotte, henri matisse, jackson pollock, jacob lawrence, jean-honore fragonard, joan miro, john singer sargent, jonathan borofsky, kathe kollwitz, keith haring, kenneth snelson, leonardo da vinci, marc chagall, marino marini, mark di suvero, natalia goncharova, odilon redon, paul signac, piet mondrian, pietro perugino, rembrandt, richard long, roy lichtenstein, sandro botticelli, suzanne caporael, théodore géricault, utagawa hiroshige, vincent van gogh

 

May 8, 2025 12 Comments

The Ultimate Collection of Color in Art: Examples and Definitions

Color is often the first thing students notice when they look at a work of art. It’s emotional. It’s bold. It shapes the entire mood and message of the piece.

That makes it one of the most powerful tools you can teach.

In this post, you’ll find a curated collection of artworks that show color in action—from symbolism and contrast to harmony and chaos. Use them to spark discussion, inspire student work, and bring the element of color to life in your classroom.

👉 Want a printable to go with it? Grab the free Elements & Principles Pack below to get ready-to-use teaching materials. Click the yellow “Download” button.

Free Resource!

* Elements & Principles Printable Pack *

The Elements & Principles of Art are the foundation of every artwork, but teaching them can be a bore. Wake your students up and engage them with full color artworks, easy to understand definitions, and thought-provoking higher level thinking questions. This versatile resource can be hung in the classroom or used as an art manipulative.

Download

Free Resource!

* Elements & Principles Printable Pack *

The Elements & Principles of Art are the foundation of every artwork, but teaching them can be a bore. Wake your students up and engage them with full color artworks, easy to understand definitions, and thought-provoking higher level thinking questions. This versatile resource can be hung in the classroom or used as an art manipulative.

Inside: A curated collection of color in art examples, showcasing how artists use color to express emotion, create contrast, and shape meaning. A continuation of the Elements and Principles of Art series.

This post is part of the Elements of Art series—check out the full collection to build a rich, connected curriculum.

Looking for classroom-ready activities? These printable art interpretation worksheets pair perfectly with the artworks in this post.

Download the Free Elements and Principles Printable Pack

This pack of printables was designed to work in a variety of ways in your classroom when teaching the elements and principles of art. You can print and hang in your classroom as posters/anchor charts or you can cut each element and principle of art in its own individual card to use as a lesson manipulative.

Examples of Color in Art

The Art Curator for Kids - Color in Art Examples - Primary Color Art

Primary Color Art

The primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. The primary colors are the basis for all other colors. You cannot do anything to mix blue, yellow, or red. They just exist.

  • Piet Mondrian, Broadway Boogie Woogie, 1942-43
  • Mark Rothko, Untitled (Yellow, Red, and Blue), 1953
  • Jacob Lawrence, Workshop (Builders #1), 1972 and many others
  • Cy Twombly, Summer Madness, 1990 (Click link, then click #20)
  • Hans Hofmann, The Golden Wall, 1961
  • Pablo Picasso, Claude and Paloma Playing, 1950
  • Fritz Glarner, Relational Painting No. 64, 1953
  • Roy Lichtenstein, Stepping Out, 1978
  • Ancient Roman, Glass Garland Bowl, late 1st century B.C.E.
  • Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Ambassadeurs Aristide Bruant in his cabaret, 1892
  • Nicolas Poussin, The Death of Germanicus, 1627

Complementary Colors in Art

Complementary colors in art are opposite each other on the color wheel. They create a lot of contrast in art. Look around in the world, and you will be surprised how often complementary colors are used. What are the sets of complementary colors? The basic complementary color pairings are red and green, purple and yellow, and orange and blue.

  • Wassily Kandinsky, Improvisation 31 (Sea Battle), 1913
  • Pablo Picasso, Woman in Striped Armchair, 1941
  • Rufino Tamayo, Women of Tehuantepec, 1939, Oil on canvas

The Art Curator for Kids - example of color in art - Complementary Colors in Art - Green and Red

Complementary Colors in Art – Red and Green

  • Marc Chagall, I and the Village, 1911
  • Ando Hiroshige, Plum Estate, Kameido From “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo”, 1857
  • Shinobo Ishihara, Test for Color Deficiency
  • Vincent van Gogh, The Night Café, 1888
  • Jan van Eyck, The Arnolfini Portrait, 1434
  • Henri Matisse, Portrait of Madame Matisse (Green Stripe), 1905
  • Pablo Picasso, Woman with Hat, 1962
  • Georgia O’Keeffe, Anything, 1916 (Click link, top right image)
  • Vincent van Gogh, La Berceuse (Woman Rocking a Cradle; Augustin-Alix Pellicot Roulin, 1851-1930), 1889
  • Kay Kurt, Weingummi II, 1973

Complementary Colors in Art - Blue and Orange

Complementary Colors in Art – Blue and Orange

  • Mary Cassatt, Mother and Child, 1890
  • Edgar Degas, Ballerina and Lady with Fan, 1885
  • Claude Monet, Rouen Cathedral, West Façade, Sunlight, 1892
  • Paul Klee, Ad Parnassum, 1932
  • Vincent van Gogh, Self-Portrait, 1889
  • Claude Monet, Impression, Sunrise, 1872
  • Fritz Bultman, Blue I, 1958
  • Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Portrait of Oscar Wilde, 1895
  • Sandy Skoglund, Revenge of the Goldfish, 1981
  • Stuart Davis, Colonial Cubism, 1954
  • Edvard Munch, The Scream, 1893
  • Arnold Böcklin, Island of the Dead, 1880

artist who use colour - Complementary Colors in Art - Purple and Yellow

Complementary Colors in Art – Purple and Yellow

  • Claude Monet, Water Lilies, 1914-1926
  • Fritz Scholder, Dream Horse G, 1986
  • Henri Matisse, The Dream, 1940
  • Pablo Picasso, Woman with Yellow Hair, 1931 (also red/green)
  • Ray Spillenger, Purple and Yellow, 1963
  • Francis Bacon, Study after Velázquez’s Portrait of Pope Innocent X, 1953
  • Federico Barocci, The Nativity, c. 1597
  • Mark Rothko, Untitled, 1954

The Art Curator for Kids - elements of color in art - Analogous Colors Examples

Analogous Colors Examples

Analogous colors are next to each other on the color wheel. They create unity in art because they are made of the same colors. Example sets of analogous colors are blue, blue-green, and green or orange, red-orange, and red.

  • Josef Albers, Homage to the Square: Soft Spoken, 1969
  • Vincent van Gogh, The Olive Trees, 1889
  • Claude Monet, The Water-Lily Pond, 1899
  • Mark Rothko, Untitled (Violet, Black, Orange, Yellow on White and Red), 1949
  • Helen Frankenthaler, Freefall, 1992
  • Ed Paschke, Painted Lady, 1995
  • Giorgio de Chirico, Mystery and Melancholy of a Street, 1914
  • Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Young Girl Reading, c. 1770
  • Geertgen Tot Sint Jans, John the Baptist in the Wilderness, ca. 1490

Warm and Cool Colors in Art

Warm colors are the colors red, orange, and yellow. They are bright and pop out. They create energy and excitement in an artwork. Blue and green are cool colors. These cool colors create a calming energy in an artwork. Violet/purple can be both warm and cool depending on how much red or how much blue is in the violet.

The Art Curator for Kids - Color in Art Examples - Warm Colors in Art

Warm Colors in Art

  • Vincent van Gogh, Sunflowers, 1888
  • Paul Gauguin, Still Life with Mangoes, 1891-1896
  • Mark Rothko, Untitled (Violet, Black, Orange, Yellow on White and Red), 1949
  • Vincent van Gogh, The Night Café, 1888
  • Robert Adam, The Croome Court tapestry room, Worcestershire, 1758-67
  • Frederic Church, Cotopaxi, 1862
  • Caravaggio, The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, 1601-1602

The Art Curator for Kids - famous artists that use colour - Cool Colors in ArtCool Colors in Art

  • Claude Monet, The Artist’s Garden at Giverny, 1900
  • Winslow Homer, Fishing Boats, Key West, 1903
  • Richard Parkes Bonington, The Undercliff, 1828
  • James McNeil Whistler, Nocturne, Blue and Silver: Chelsea, 1871
  • Natalya Goncharova, Linen, 1913
  • Katsushika Hokusai, 36 Views of Mount Fuji, ca. 1829-32

The Art Curator for Kids - Color in Art Examples - Neutral Colors in Art

Neutral Colors in Art

Neutral colors are created by using white and black or are created by mixing sets of complementary colors together to make varying shades of brown. Examples of neutrals include gray, brown, tan, white, black, etc.

  • El Lissitzky, Proun 19D, c. 1922
  • Claude Monet, Sunrise (Marine), 1873
  • Georgia O’Keeffe, Black Iris, 1926
  • Camille Pissarro, Place du Théâtre Français, Paris: Rain, 1898
  • Marcel Duchamp, Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2, 1912

Color Intensity in Art

Intensity refers to how saturated a color is. It is the brightness or the dullness of a color. Colors with high intensity are bright, and colors with low intensity are dull.

The Art Curator for Kids - elements of art colour - Color Intensity in Art: High Intensity

Color Intensity in Art: High Intensity

  • Pablo Picasso, The Weeping Woman, 1937
  • Andre Derain, Charing Cross Bridge, 1906
  • Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Seated Girl (Fränzi Fehrmann), 1910
  • Jim Dine, The Circus #3, 2007

Color Intensity in Art: Low Intensity examples

Color Intensity in Art: Low Intensity

  • Salima Hashmi, Poem for Zainab, 1994
  • Paul Klee, Hammamet with Its Mosque, 1914
  • Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Moulin Rouge The Departure of the Quadrille, 1892
  • Camille Pissarro, Place du Théâtre Français, Paris: Rain, 1898
  • Helen Frankenthaler, Mountains and Sea, 1952

💡 Want even more lessons like this—ready to go?

Join the Curated Connections Library for hundreds of done-for-you art appreciation lessons, teacher trainings, and resources.
👉 Click here to explore the membership.

Elements and Principles Teaching Bundle

This extraordinary bundle includes the best resources for teaching each of the elements and principles—37 worksheets/handouts, 15 lessons (with accompanying PowerPoints and Handouts), 3 ready-to-go art analysis activities, 3 art analysis videos, and 13 elements and principle PDF articles.

Buy Now


For more elements of art examples and principles of design examples, visit the following resources.



The Art Curator for Kids -Example Artworks that Show Space - The Elements and Principles of Art Series-300The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks that Show Line - The Elements and Principles of Art - 300The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks that Show Emphasis - The Elements and Principles of Art SeriesElements and Principles of Art - Artworks that Show Proportion in art and ScaleThe Art Curator for Kids - Elements and Principles of Art Series - Artworks that Show Shape - 300The Art Curator for Kids - Why I Hate the Elements and Principles But Teach Them Anyway - 300The Art Curator for Kids - How Artists Depict Space - Masterpiece Monday - John Sloan , South Beach Bathers, 1907-1908, Art Lessons for Kids - Elements of Art Lessons

Filed Under: Elements and Principles of Art
Tagged With: ando hiroshige, andre derain, arnold böcklin, camille pissarro, caravaggio, claude monet, cy twombly, ed paschke, edgar degas, edvard munch, el lissitzky, ernst ludwig kirchner, federico barocci, francis bacon, frederic church, fritz bultman, fritz glarner, fritz scholder, geertgen tot sint jans, georgia o'keeffe, giorgio de chirico, hans hofmann, helen frankenthaler, henri de toulouse-lautrec, henri matisse, jacob lawrence, james whistler, jan van eyck, jean-honore fragonard, jim dine, josef albers, kay kurt, marc chagall, marcel duchamp, mark rothko, mary cassatt, natalia goncharova, nicolas poussin, pablo picasso, paul gauguin, paul klee, piet mondrian, ray spillenger, richard parkes bonington, robert adam, roy lichtenstein, rufino tamayo, salima hashmi, sandy skoglund, stuart davis, vincent van gogh, wassily kandinsky, winslow homer

 

May 8, 2025 3 Comments

Rhythm in Art: The Ultimate List of Rhythm in Art Examples

Rhythm in art is more than repetition—it’s the visual beat that moves your eyes across a composition, guiding attention and building energy.

For students, it’s one of the easiest elements to feel and one of the hardest to define. That’s what makes it such a powerful teaching moment.

Below, you’ll find a curated selection of rhythm-in-art examples that will help you and your students identify, understand, and feel the pulse of rhythm in visual form.

👉 Want a printable to use in your classroom? Grab the free Elements & Principles Pack below. Click the yellow “Download” button.

Free Resource!

* Elements & Principles Printable Pack *

The Elements & Principles of Art are the foundation of every artwork, but teaching them can be a bore. Wake your students up and engage them with full color artworks, easy to understand definitions, and thought-provoking higher level thinking questions. This versatile resource can be hung in the classroom or used as an art manipulative.

Download

Free Resource!

* Elements & Principles Printable Pack *

The Elements & Principles of Art are the foundation of every artwork, but teaching them can be a bore. Wake your students up and engage them with full color artworks, easy to understand definitions, and thought-provoking higher level thinking questions. This versatile resource can be hung in the classroom or used as an art manipulative.

Inside: The ultimate collection of rhythm in art examples, including everything from regular to random, plus a rhythm in art definition. A continuation of our Elements and Principles of Art series.

This post is part of the Elements of Art series—explore them all to build a strong foundation for your classroom. Want more ways to get students engaging with artworks? Check out these printable art worksheets designed for deeper connection and interpretation.

Below, you’ll find a growing collection of rhythm-in-art examples. These are perfect for introducing rhythm in your elements and principles lessons.
(Tip: Bookmark this post—I update it as I discover new examples!)

Download the Free Elements and Principles Printable Pack


This pack of printables was designed to work in a variety of ways in your classroom when teaching the elements and principles of art. You can print and hang in your classroom as posters/anchor charts or you can cut each element and principle of art in its own individual card to use as a lesson manipulative.

Rhythm Art Definition

Rhythm is a principle of design that suggests movement or action. Rhythm is usually achieved through repetition of lines, shapes, colors, and more. It creates a visual tempo in artworks and provides a path for the viewer’s eye to follow.

Principles of Design Examples Rhythm in Art

Rhythm in Art Examples

rhythm in art examples
  • Jacob Lawrence, Parade, 1960
  • André Derain, Charing Cross Bridge, 1906
  • Marcel Duchamp, Nude Descending a Staircase (No. 2), 1912
  • Gino Severini, Dynamic Hieroglyphic of the Bal Tabarin, 1912
  • Marsden Hartley, Indian Composition, 1914-15
  • George Tooker, The Subway, 1950
  • Martin Puryear, Ladder for Booker T. Washington, 1996
  • Grant Wood, American Gothic, 1930
  • Alexandra Exter, The Boat and the Town, 1925
  • Louise Bourgeois, The Blind Leading the Blind, c. 1947-49
  • Albert Renger-Patzsch, Beech Forest in Fall, 1936

Alternating Rhythm

Alternating rhythm describes an artwork that contains a repetition of two or more components that are used interchangeably. Some alternating rhythm examples include alternating light and dark colors or placing various shapes and/or colors in a repeating pattern.

alternating rhythm in art examples
  • Henri Matisse, Red Room, 1908
  • M.C. Escher, Lizard, 1942
  • George Tooker, Government Bureau, 1956
  • Frank Lloyd Wright, Interior, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
  • Robert Delaunay, Endless Rhythm, 1934
  • Andy Warhol, Untitled from Marilyn Monroe, 1967 (9 Screen prints)
  • Hans Hinterreiter, ME 25 B, 1935
  • Bernard Hoyes, Sweeping Ribbons

Random Rhythm

Random rhythm describes an artwork that contains repeating elements without a specified order or arrangement. Some random rhythm examples include splatters of paint or shells on a beach.

random rhythm in art examples
  • Piet Mondrian, Broadway Boogie Woogie, 1942-3
  • René Magritte, Golconde, 1953
  • Alexander Calder, International Mobile, 1949
  • Bridget Riley, Recollection, 1986
  • Mary Martin, Compound Rhythms with Blue, 1966
  • Alice Aycock, A Little Cosmic Rhythm, 2007
  • Chuck Close, Self Portrait, 2007
  • Joan Miro, Rhythmix Characters, 1934
  • Jackson Pollock, Autumn Rhythm (Number 30), 1950

Flowing Rhythm

Flowing rhythm describes an artwork that contains curved or circular elements that give the art movement. Some flowing rhythm examples include flowers, clouds, or waves.

flowing rhythm in art examples
  • Vincent van Gogh, The Starry Night, 1889 (See: The Starry Night story and lesson)
  • Gloria Petyarre, Bush Medicine Dreaming, 2008
  • Edvard Munch, The Scream, 1893 (See: The Frieze of Life, Lesson & Project, Visual Analysis Lesson)
  • Henri Matisse, The Dance, 1910
  • Hans Hokanson, Helixikos Number 3, 1968
  • Sonia Delaunay, Electric Prisms, 1914
  • Hokusai, The Great Wave, 1829-32
  • Gustav Klimt, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, 1907
  • Bruce Barnbaum, Dance of the Corn Lilies, 1991
  • Bruce Barnbaum, Moonrise over Cliffs and Dunes,1992
  • Gustav Klimt, Fish Blood, 1897-8

Regular Rhythm

Regular rhythm describes an artwork that contains repeating elements with a specified order or arrangement that can be measured. Some regular rhythm examples include evenly spaced windows or tiles.

regular rhythm in art examples
  • Donald Judd, Untitled, 1969/1982
  • Christo and Jeanne-Claude, The Gates, 2005
  • Do-Ho Suh, Floor, 1997-2000
  • Wayne Thiebaud, Banana Splits, 1964
  • Wayne Thiebaud, Nine Jellied Apples, 1963
  • Grant Wood, Fall Plowing, 1931
  • Andy Warhol, Twenty-Five Colored Marilyns, 1962
  • Ferdinand Hodler, Rhythmic landscape on Lake Geneva, 1908
  • Marimekko, Hevoskastanja, 2005
  • Paul Klee, Pastoral (Rhythms), 1927

Progressive Rhythm

Progressive rhythm describes an artwork that contains repeating elements in a pattern that change either in size or color as they repeat. Some progressive rhythm examples include building blocks arranged from smallest to largest and spirals.

progressive rhythm in art examples
  • Victor Vasarely, Alom, 1966
  • Marcel Duchamp, Nude Descending a Staircase (No. 2), 1912
  • Sydney Opera House
  • Hilma af Klint, Altarpiece No. 1, Group X, 1915
  • Jasper Johns, Three Flags, 1958
  • MC Escher, Smaller and Smaller, 1956
  • Wayne Thiebaud, Banana Splits, 1964
  • Grant Wood, Fall Plowing, 1931
  • Andy Goldsworthy, Carefully broken pebbles scratched white with another stone, 1985
  • Bramante Staircase in the Vatican, 1932

In this fun rhythm in art examples video, the differences between pattern, repetition, and rhythm are described and put to music:

Rhythm in Art Resources

  • Art Soup Video: Principles of Design: Rhythm
  • Horse in Motion & The First Moving Pictures
  • Early Photography Inspired Flipbook Project

Remember I will add to this, so don’t forget to pin this post!

Do you have a great example to teach rhythm in art? Share it with me in the comments, and I will add it to the list!

Elements and Principles Teaching Bundle

This extraordinary bundle includes the best resources for teaching each of the elements and principles—37 worksheets/handouts, 15 lessons (with accompanying PowerPoints and Handouts), 3 ready-to-go art analysis activities, 3 art analysis videos, and 13 elements and principle PDF articles.

Buy Now

💡 Want more ready-to-use art appreciation lessons?

The Curated Connections Library includes resources like this—plus hundreds more lessons, activities, and trainings for art teachers.
👉 Click here to learn more.

There you have it! The best rhythm in art examples for your elements and principles of art lessons. Want more elements and principles of art teacher resources? Check out the below posts.



The Art Curator for Kids -Example Artworks that Show Space - The Elements and Principles of Art Series-300The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks that Show Line - The Elements and Principles of Art - 300The Art Curator for Kids - Example Artworks that Show Emphasis - The Elements and Principles of Art SeriesElements and Principles of Art - Artworks that Show Proportion in art and ScaleThe Art Curator for Kids - Elements and Principles of Art Series - Artworks that Show Shape - 300The Art Curator for Kids - Why I Hate the Elements and Principles But Teach Them Anyway - 300The Art Curator for Kids - How Artists Depict Space - Masterpiece Monday - John Sloan , South Beach Bathers, 1907-1908, Art Lessons for Kids - Elements of Art Lessons

Filed Under: Elements and Principles of Art
Tagged With: Albert Renger-Patzsch, alexander calder, Alexandra Exter, Alice Aycock, andre derain, andy goldsworthy, andy warhol, Bernard Hoyes, Bridget Riley, Bruce Barnbaum, Charles Burchfield, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Chuck Close, do-ho suh, Donald Judd, edvard munch, ferdinand hodler, frank lloyd wright, george tooker, Gino Severini, Gloria Petyarre, grant wood, gustav klimt, Hans Hinterreiter, Hans Hokanson, henri matisse, Hilma af Klint, jackson pollock, jacob lawrence, Jasper Johns, joan miro, Louise Bourgeois, m.c. escher, marcel duchamp, marsden hartley, martin puryear, Mary Martin, paul klee, piet mondrian, rene magritte, Robert Delaunay, Sonia Delaunay, Victor Vasarely, vincent van gogh, wayne thiebaud

 

December 30, 2018 20 Comments

Complete the Picture: An Easy Art Appreciation Game and Printable

Inside: Students use creativity in this art appreciation game for kids with a free art appreciation printable. Students are shown a small piece and draw the rest.

Recently, I was looking at the Prado Museum website researching links for my year of art appreciation post. I found a little thumbnail sketch of the painting, and I thought it was so cool. I was smitten by it and needed to know what it was right away. I clicked on the image and nothing happened. WHAT?! So I then started clicking around on the Prado Museum website, but I couldn’t find it. This picture is like nothing I have ever seen before, so I didn’t even know where to start looking on the site.

Here is the thumbnail. Isn’t it so intriguing? Doesn’t it just make you want to know more?

jhbglk

I ended up having to use the snipping tool to pull the picture from the site. Then, I did a reverse Google image search for the picture. That’s when I discovered that this was The Straw Manikin by Francisco Goya. The final painting didn’t look like what I expected but that was what was so fun about the process.

The Art Curator for Kids - Francisco Goya - The Straw Manikin
Francisco Goya, The Straw Manikin, 1791-92

Delightful.

That little puzzle piece made my brain go so many places, and it made me think of lots of different art appreciation game s I could do with students with small clips of paintings like that. I could show a small bit of the painting and then have to student guess what the rest of the painting looks like or give the student a small portion of the painting and have them draw what the rest might look like. This activity is not new to the world, but it was fun to experience it out in the wild for myself.

I used to work at a history museum in downtown Dallas, and we would do something similar with historic photographs. We photocopied them and cut them into pieces and distributed the different quadrants to different groups of students. The students had to figure out clues from the photos. It taught them to look closely and notice things they might not have seen had they been given the full photograph originally.

I decided to make you a printable of this painting and others that work with the activity.

Art Appreciation Game Instructions and Printable

You print it and give it to the student, and ask them to draw the scene around it, or just discuss what they notice and what they predict for the rest of the painting. After they complete the art appreciation game, show the full painting and discuss.

I used these paintings for this activity in the printable.

  • Francisco Goya, The Straw Manikin, 1791-92
  • Johannes Vermeer, The Milkmaid, c. 1658
  • Vincent van Gogh, Bedroom in Arles, 1888
  • Leonardo da Vinci, Lady with an Ermine, 1489-90
  • Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, Gojō Bridge, an Episode from the Life of Yoshitsune, 1881
  • Unknown, Rahula,16th century

Free PDF!

Complete the Picture

Ready-to-go Art Appreciation Activity

This is a great activity to have on hand in your classroom. Just print it and give it to your student or the whole class. They draw the scene around a small portion of the artwork. Or, just discuss what they notice in the portion and have them predict what will be in the rest of the painting. When they’re done, show them the full (included) artwork and discuss!

Download

Free PDF!

Complete the Picture

Ready-to-go Art Appreciation Activity

This is a great activity to have on hand in your classroom. Just print it and give it to your student or the whole class. They draw the scene around a small portion of the artwork. Or, just discuss what they notice in the portion and have them predict what will be in the rest of the painting. When they’re done, show them the full (included) artwork and discuss!

Filed Under: Art Connection Activities, Downloads and Resources
Tagged With: francisco goya, johannes vermeer, leonardo da vinci, sandro botticelli, vincent van gogh

 

December 27, 2016 2 Comments

7 Exciting Art History for Kids Projects that Made Me Say “WOW!”

Inside: This collection of exciting art history for kids projects will excite your students with creative process art at the same time as connecting with an artist from art history. These art history for kids projects are so clever!

the Art Curator for Kids - 7 Art History for Kids Projects that made me say Wow!

While I was developing the Art History for Kids pinboard, I came across approximately 400 projects based on Kandinsky’s circles (I don’t judge. I totally did a Kandinsky circle project with my elementary kids when I taught, and it was uber-successful.) and many more fabulous art history for kids projects. But after a while they were all starting to blend together, but there were a couple that stood out and made me say “Wow! That is amazing!” I kept thinking about these projects over the next few days and decided I needed to give these awesome bloggers a shout-out.

So here you go. In no particular order, here are 7 awesome art history for kids projects that I found to be super exciting.

I am always choosing 5 things, so I went with 7 today. It feels weird. I miss 5.

“Where the Fauve Things Are” at My Small Potatoes

Art History for Kids Projects, Fauvism Projects for Kids, Henri Matisse

This art history for kids project is so amazing. Look at those kids. They are having a BLAST! Arlee at My Small Potatoes totally captures the essence and sheer joy of Fauvism and really taught her kids something about Fauvism and Henri Matisse in such a fun and silly way. Not to mention, the images on her blog are just gorgeous. What a treat!

“Kids Get Arty: Exploring Mike Kelley for Kids” at Red Ted Art

Art History for Kids Projects, Mike Kelley

I loved this project, because of it’s close ties with the artwork, the unexpected artist choice of Mike Kelley, and the sheer fun of the activity. How fun would it be to stick a bunch of random stuff in clay? Really fun. Excuse me while I go do this.

“Starry Night Art with Melted Crayons” at Happy Hooligans

Art History for Kids Projects, Vincent van Gogh

In this project, Jackie and the Hooligans painted in shades of blue and yellow onto aluminum foil and then melted crayon shavings onto the paintings. Yes! So beautiful and satisfying and all things perfect.

“Kids Get Arty: Exploring Street Art & Banksy” at Red Ted Art

Art History for Kids Projects, Banksy Art Projects for Kids, Street Art for Kids

Maggy at Red Ted Art gets an extra shout-out, because she is just that awesome. I really love projects that go beyond the usual suspects of Monet, van Gogh, etc. Her project inspired by the street artist Banksy takes kids outdoors and gets them thinking about art in new and different ways. And that kangaroo they put on the side of the house? Super cute.

“The Great Artist Vincent van Gogh…A Study in Self Portraiture” at My Small Potatoes

Van Gogh Mirror Painting, Art History for Kids

I totally realize I just said I like projects that go beyond van Gogh, and then I included two van Gogh-inspired projects. Sshh. I know. I know. This one I loved again because the kids get to explore and do something new and different. Art is more than paper and paint. Arlee nails it again by having her kids paint their portraits right onto the mirror. And then they take paper and make a print from the mirror? Icing on the cake.

“Inspired {Wayne Thiebaud}” at Dilly-Dali Art

Art History for Kids, Wayne Thiebaud

Speaking of icing, check this out. She made FROSTING PAINT. That’s all I have to say about that. FROSTING PAINT! Genius.

“Inspired {Helen Frankenthaler}” at Dilly-Dali Art

Art History Projects for Kids, Helen Frankenthaler, Abstract Expressionism for Kids

I really love this art history for kids activity. Not only is the final product beautiful, but it really captures the spirit of Abstract Expressionism emphasis on the expression and actions of an artist. Extra bonus points go to Aleacia at Dilly-Dali Art for choosing a woman artist, Helen Frankenthaler, for her project.

~

This art history for kids post was originally published on October 24, 2014.

Filed Under: Art Teacher Tips
Tagged With: banksy, helen frankenthaler, henri matisse, mike kelley, vincent van gogh, wayne thiebaud

 

March 28, 2016 6 Comments

How to Compare and Contrast Art to Teach Art History

Inside: Use these techniques artwork examples to compare and contrast art in your classroom. Art comparison help students see the art in a new way and make the conventions of an art movement more clear and understandable.

If I had to pick my favorite teaching method for art history, it probably would be compare and contrast art. When you place two artworks next to each other, new ways of understanding the art can open up!

Compare and Contrast art

There are multiple ways to compare and contrast art:

  • comparing works of art from the same art movement or period to look for commonalities and shared themes,
  • comparing two depictions of the same subject,
  • comparing works of art from one period with works from the period that came before,
  • and probably many more!

Using Compare and Contrast to Teach Art History

In this post, I focus on comparing works from one period with art from the period that comes before. I love this method because, in addition to reviewing prior knowledge, you teach students to discover the conventions of the art movement or period on their own.

It’s easy to tell students that the conventions of Baroque art are contrasted between light and dark, intimate compositions, use of contemporary everyday models, foreshortening, etc, but they won’t remember it unless they find those things for themselves. When you put a Baroque artwork next to a Renaissance artwork, those conventions become immediately clear.

Use the following artwork pairs to have students better understand and connect with the conventions and themes of the art periods.

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Compare and Contrast Art Examples: Renaissance/Baroque

In my Italian Baroque lesson (which you can download as a member of The Curated Connections Library), I have 4 sets of images that I print and have students compare and contrast art in small groups. My favorite set is Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper and Caravaggio’s Supper at Emmaus.

Side by side-The Last Supper and Supper at Emmaus, art comparisons
At left: Caravaggio, Supper at Emmaus, 1601; At right: Leonardo Da Vinci, The Last Supper, 1495

Lead a discussion on these artworks being sure to note the differences in the lighting, the people, the setting/background, the positions of the people, the lines, and the colors.

Compare and Contrast Art Examples: Ancient Rome/Byzantine

After Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, art took a drastic turn from the focus on man to the focus on God. I love to compare this Roman mosaic with the mosaic of Justinian and his attendant.

Justinian and two athletes mosaics, how to compare and contrast art paintings
At left: Mosaic, Church of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy, Justinian and his Retinue (noblemen, patrons, attendants), 6th Century C.E. At right: Floor mosaic from Baths of Caracalla , Vatican Museums, Rome, Two athletes, c.200-500 C.E.

The differences in subject matter are clear. The Roman artwork glorifies the strength and the body of a man while the Byzantine artwork no longer shows the men with realistic proportions in art. Students will note the differences in body proportions, the use of color and pattern, and the Byzantine complexity vs. the Roman simplicity.

Compare and Contrast Art Examples: Romanesque/Gothic

Romanesque is kind of a weird art period to teach. It is so varied and transitional. Putting a Romanesque building next to a Gothic really trains students to look closely at details and notice the glory and impressive engineering of a Gothic Cathedral!

Gothic architecture comparing artworks
At left: Abbey of la Madaleine, Vézelay, Photo Credit: Delta 51; At right: Cathedral at Reims, Photo Credit: bodoklecksel

Check out this past post on teaching Gothic architecture for more information about this side-by-side.

Resource Library Subscribers: Download the Gothic PowerPoint.

Compare and Contrast Art Examples: Neoclassical/Romantic

The honor and stoicism of Neoclassical art is a great contrast to the emotional turmoil of Romanticism. Compare David’s Oath of the Horatii with Delacroix’s Lady Liberty Leading the People.

compare and contrast art history
At left: Eugene Delacroix, Liberty Leading the People, 1830; At right: Jacques-Louis David, The Oath of the Horatii, 1784

Patriotism and nationalism are key themes in both of these art movements, but this manifested in their art in incredibly different ways. This art comparison works really well too with a poetry writing exercise. Have students write haikus about the paintings, and then compare the language used in each.

Compare and Contrast Art Examples: Impressionism/Post-Impressionism

I find Post-Impressionism a little harder to teach than other art movements. It’s mainly just a collection of artists in this strange transition period between Impressionism and Modern Art. It’s Impressionism but it’s not. It’s Fauvism but it’s not.

compare and contrast art
At left: Claude Monet, Wheatstacks (End of Summer), 1890-91; At right: Vincent van Gogh, The Starry Night, 1889

Putting a Van Gogh next to a Monet works as an art comparison because you can really notice the addition of emotion. I describe Post-Impressionism to my students as Impressionism+Emotion+Bolder, Unrealistic Colors.

Classroom Connection


The compare and contrast art activity from the bundle of free art appreciation worksheets is a great way to get students thinking.

What other artworks do you like to compare and contrast with your students? Please share in the comments!

Filed Under: Art Connection Activities, Art Teacher Tips, Featured
Tagged With: best of art class curator, caravaggio, claude monet, eugene delacroix, jacques-louis david, leonardo da vinci, vincent van gogh

 

February 16, 2016 Leave a Comment

Starry Night Lesson and Melted Crayon Art Project

Van Gogh's The Starry Night - Lesson and Melted Crayon Art Project

You may have noticed that I don’t post a lot about “famous art” here on Art Class Curator. While I love many famous works, there is so much to study. And the internet has paintings like The Starry Night covered (including recent recognition of Van Gogh’s apparent grasp of movement and light – astonishingly scientifically ahead of his time!).

That being said, I have been DYING to try this melted crayon watercolor resist project from The Artful Parent. I thought mixing that project with some art discussion with my littles would be a perfect combination.

Van Gogh's The Starry Night - Lesson and Melted Crayon Art Project

Everyone loves this painting and for good reason. The swirly bold lines just capture our hearts. In my history of teaching about this painting, some students find the painting makes them happy and others feel the pain in it. I love how this painting can make people react in different ways.

Vincent Van Gogh, The Starry Night, 1889
Vincent Van Gogh, The Starry Night, 1889

Preschool Starry Night Discussion

I showed the painting to my two girls, aged 3 and 6.

  1. What do you see? We started with just a simple, tell me what you see exercise. They noticed the swirly lines, the stars, the buildings, and they thought the Cyprus tree was a castle.
  2. I had them describe the lines in the painting, and we practiced drawing the swirls with our fingers in the air. We compared the different types of line in the picture
  3. I asked how this painting made them feel. I wasn’t expecting them to have an answer to it, and I was right.

Side note: With older students, The Starry Night is great for writing poems inspired by art!

Melted Crayon Watercolor Resist

Crayon swirls

Head over to The Artful Parent to learn how to do this project. We followed her directions exactly with beautiful results! The only guidance I gave was to draw different types of lines, but I left it up to the girls to do what they wanted.

Starting watercolor overlay

I really love how they turned out! Aren’t they lovely?

Finished art

Filed Under: Art and Artists, Art Teacher Tips
Tagged With: vincent van gogh

 

June 8, 2015 6 Comments

25 Views of Fathers in Art

The Art Curator for Kids - 25 Views of Fathers in Art History - Happy Father's Day!

The Art Curator for Kids - 25 Views of Fathers in Art History - Happy Father's Day!In honor of Father’s Day coming up, I’ve selected 25 artworks that show fathers in art. Enjoy!

Click on the image to view it larger.

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Dorothea Lange, Manzanar Relocation Center, Manzanar, California, Grandfather and grandson of Japanese ancestry, 1942
Dorothea Lange, Manzanar Relocation Center, Manzanar, California, Grandfather and grandson of Japanese ancestry, 1942

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Gerard Sekoto,The Proud Father, Manakedi Naky on Bernard Sekoto's Knee, 1947
Gerard Sekoto, The Proud Father, Manakedi Naky on Bernard Sekoto’s Knee, 1947

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Agnes Lawrence Pelton, Awakening (Memory of Father), 1943
Agnes Lawrence Pelton, Awakening (Memory of Father), 1943

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Cbabi Bayoc, 365 Days with Dad, 2012
Cbabi Bayoc, 365 Days with Dad, 2012

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Utagawa Kunisada, Father and Son Members of the Forty Seven Rônin from Chûshingura
Utagawa Kunisada, Father and Son Members of the Forty Seven Rônin from Chûshingura

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Honoré Daumier, The Kiss, c. 1845-48
Honoré Daumier, The Kiss, c. 1845-48

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Arnold Genthe, A Holiday Visit, 1895–1908
Arnold Genthe, A Holiday Visit, 1895–1908

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Lucian Freud, Daughter and Father, 2002
Lucian Freud, Daughter and Father, 2002

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Winslow Homer, Dad's Coming, 1873
Winslow Homer, Dad’s Coming!, 1873

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Edgar Degas, Degas' Father Listening to Lorenzo Pagans, 1869
Edgar Degas, Degas’ Father Listening to Lorenzo Pagans, 1869

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Barthel Bruyn the Elder, Portrait of a Man with Three Sons, 1530
Barthel Bruyn the Elder, Portrait of a Man with Three Sons, 1530

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - New Kingdom, Ancient Egypt, Statue of two men and a boy that served as a domestic icon, ca. 1353–1336 B.C.E.
New Kingdom, Ancient Egypt, Statue of two men and a boy that served as a domestic icon, ca. 1353–1336 B.C.E.

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Henry Mosler, Just Moved, 1870
Henry Mosler, Just Moved, 1870

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Michelangelo, The Creation of Adam, 1512
Michelangelo, The Creation of Adam, 1512

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Henry Ossawa Tanner, The Thankful Poor, 1894
Henry Ossawa Tanner, The Thankful Poor, 1894

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Raphael Soyer, The Artist's Parents, 1932
Raphael Soyer, The Artist’s Parents, 1932

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Walker Evans, Floyd and Lucille Burroughs on Porch, Hale County, Alabama, 1936
Walker Evans, Floyd and Lucille Burroughs on Porch, Hale County, Alabama, 1936

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Sherrie Levine, After Walker Evans: 2, 1981
Sherrie Levine, After Walker Evans: 2, 1981

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Domenico Ghirlandaio, Francesco Sassetti (1421–1490) and His Son Teodoro, ca. 1488
Domenico Ghirlandaio, Francesco Sassetti (1421–1490) and His Son Teodoro, ca. 1488

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Eugène Delacroix, The Natchez, 1835
Eugène Delacroix, The Natchez, 1835

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Corneille, Father and Sons, 1951
Corneille, Father and Sons, 1951

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Vincent van Gogh, First Steps, after Millet, 1890
Vincent van Gogh, First Steps, after Millet, 1890

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Rembrandt van Rijn, The Return of the Prodigal Son, c. 1662
Rembrandt van Rijn, The Return of the Prodigal Son, c. 1662

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Miriam Schapiro, Father and Daughter, 1997
Miriam Schapiro, Father and Daughter, 1997

The Art Curator for Kids - Fathers in Art History - Theodor Severin Kittelsen, My Son Tred Always Follow Father's Footsteps, 1894
Theodor Severin Kittelsen, My Son Tred Always Follow Father’s Footsteps, 1894

I came upon some great links while finding art for this post. Check these links out as well for more fathers in art history. Please note, this post includes Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Dorothea Lange’s Migrant Fathers
  • Fatherhood Connection, Met Museum
  • The Art Of Fatherhood: The Best Representations Of Fathers In Art
  • Cbabi Bayoc, 365 Days with Dad Calendar

Which one was your favorite artwork from the list? Let me know in the comments!

Filed Under: Art and Artists
Tagged With: agnes lawrence pelton, arnold genthe, barthel bruyn the elder, cbabi bayoc, corneille, domenico ghirlandaio, dorothea lange, edgar degas, eugene delacroix, gerard sekoto, henry mosler, henry ossawa tanner, honore daumier, lucian freud, michelangelo, miriam schapiro, raphael soyer, rembrandt, sherrie levine, theodor severin kittelsen, utagawa kunisada, vincent van gogh, walker evans, winslow homer

 

April 10, 2015 13 Comments

Best Artist Books and Movies for Kids and Adults

The Art Curator for Kids - Children's Books about the Lives of the Artists - Artist Books for Kids

Although I don’t think it is necessary to study the lives of individual artist to enjoy and connect with their artwork, hearing stories about artists can make their art come alive in new and exciting ways.

Several months ago, I received a message from a reader. This is what she said.

My number one struggle in teaching art to my kids is making artists come alive. I really want them to grasp art from cave drawings to modern art. To help them understand that there is a person behind each piece that has lived through struggles and joys. I want them to understand that art is an expression of the soul creating it.

~Tee from Wisteria and Worms

I love her statement here, because art is about people and connecting with people. When you are moved by a work of art, you are moved because of the person behind that artwork and what they were thinking and feeling. I believe art becomes more powerful when you recognize that truth.

I will never forget reading The Agony and the Ecstasy about Michelangelo. I read it before I studied abroad in Italy in college. After reading that book, I felt like I intimately knew both Michelangelo and where he lived, Florence, Italy. Going to Florence after reading that book was a magical experience for me.

Here are my favorite biographical novels, movies, and children’s books for both kids AND adults!

Please note, this post includes Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Books about Artists for Kids

The Art Curator for Kids - Children's Books about the Lives of the Artists - Artist Books for Kids

  • Henri’s Scissors by Jeanette Winter
  • Action Jackson by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
  • Uncle Andy’s by James Warhola
  • Frida by Jonah Winter
  • Diego by Jonah Winter
  • My Name Is Georgia by Jeanette Winter
  • The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau by Michelle Markel

Laurence Anholt’s Books about Artists For Children

This is a great series of books where artists and children meet.

  • Degas and the Little Dancer
  • Cezanne and the Apple Boy
  • The Magical Garden of Claude Monet
  • Leonardo and the Flying Boy
  • van Gogh and the Sunflowers
  • Picasso and the Girl with a Ponytail
  • Camille and the Sunflowers
  • Papa Chagall, Tell Us a Story
  • Matisse, King of Colour

Movies and Books about Artists for Adults

The Art Curator for Kids - Artist Biographies for Adults, Books and Movies - Michelangelo, van Gogh, Vasari, Artemisia Gentileschi, Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock

Books about Artists

  • The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo by Irving Stone
  • The Lives of the Artists by Giorgio Vasari
  • The Passion of Artemisia: A Novel by Susan Vreeland
  • Lust for Life by Irving Stone

Other Books about Artists

Tracy Chevalier and Susan Vreeland write good books surrounding artists but the historical accuracy isn’t as good, so I didn’t put them in the above list. I also really want to read The Private Lives of the Impressionists, but since I haven’t read it, I didn’t put in on the list. 🙂

Movies

  • Pollock
  • Frida
  • Girl with a Pearl Earring
  • Basquiat
  • Midnight in Paris

 

Filed Under: Downloads and Resources
Tagged With: andy warhol, artemisia gentileschi, basquiat, camille pissarro, diego rivera, edgar degas, frida kahlo, georgia o'keeffe, giorgio vasari, henri matisse, henri rousseau, jackson pollock, leonardo da vinci, marc chagall, michelangelo, pablo picasso, paul cezanne, vincent van gogh

 

February 20, 2015 1 Comment

Impasto Painting with Kids

The Art Curator for Kids - Painting with Impasto Technique with Kids - Impasto Process Art

Today, I welcome Varya from Creative World of Varya for a post about teaching the impasto technique to kids. This is such a fun process art activity. I know I am planning on doing this with my girls very soon. I think they will love it! Thanks to Varya, and I hope you hop over to her page to see what else she has to offer on her blog about the creative development of children!

The Art Curator for Kids - Painting with Impasto Technique with Kids - Impasto Process ArtPlease note, this post includes Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

I must admit – I was never great at art, especially drawing and painting. I am rather on the average when it comes to those. However, I love creating, and I love making personalized cards and gifts.

Despite not being a great artist myself, I believe that introducing your child to art skills, like painting and drawing, is very important. You can read about Four Things to Remember when Raising an Artist on my blog; this was actually one of my first blog posts.

This is how I have naturally come to explore Impasto technique, and I think it is my most favorite way of painting. Of course, I am far from comparing my simple creations with Rembrandt, but Impasto is actually perfect for young children who are just learning to work with acrylic and oil paints. Moreover, this technique gives immense room for creativity and helps the child practice fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

When I first started introducing Impasto to my children, my oldest was 5+ and my younger one – 1+. They both enjoyed the process, and we made some pretty cards for friends!

So, let’s talk Impasto!

What is Impasto?

Impasto is a thick application of paint where you can see the ridges and lumps of paint. Artists often will use a palette knife to scrape the thick paint onto the surface. It ends up with brushstrokes that you can see and adds another dimension to the artwork.

Vincent van Gogh was one of the artist most known for using impasto. You can see it very clearly in Wheatfield with Cypresses.

Vincent van Gogh, Wheatfield with Cypresses, 1889
Vincent van Gogh, Wheatfield with Cypresses, 1889

The Art Curator for Kids - ImpastoViewing his work up close is pretty amazing!

Impasto Painting Activity for Kids

Materials needed:

  • Several brushes of different sizes (I would choose the ones with thicker handles for younger children, though my 1+ year old at that time handles a regular brush well!)
  • 3-4 acrylic paint colors
  • one big palette or several small ones
  • butter knife
  • Pieces of construction paper or cardstock
  • Wet wipes and/or water in cups (we had both and we had to change water several times)
  • Apron (optional)

Process:

1. Introduce your child to different sizes of brushes. Talk about painting, and if it is the first time for your child to paint, introduce some paintings on famous artists who painted with Impasto technique (Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Titian).

2. Start by adding some of the paint to the palette with the butter knife. Your child can help, and it is always a fun process.

3. Take a wider brush and show your child how to apply strokes with 1 base color. Make sure to cover as much of the area as possible. The Art Curator for Kids - Painting with Impasto with Kids - Child Painting
4. Once step 3 is complete, take a less wide brush and choose another color which you will apply with the strokes on top. You don’t need to cover the whole area, just some spots.The Art Curator for Kids - Painting with Impasto with Kids - Child Painting2

5. Continue the same with the next color, but now sort of press harder when making strokes to have the lower and the base colors show. Sometimes colors will mix and a completely different color will appear.

6. Soon you will have a very beautiful result:

The Art Curator for Kids - Painting with Impasto with Kids - Impasto Process Art

This is the card a recently made for a friend who lost her baby.

The Art Curator for Kids - Painting with Impasto with Kids - Angel Painting

Once your child learns the basics of Impasto, you can start creating more complicated works (try flowers, stars, shapes). The beauty of this method is that the picture is almost in 3D and sort of pops out.

Don’t worry about it being perfect – it is the beginning and even if your child doesn’t show further interest in mastering this technique, it is always a great and more-or-less quick way of creating personalized cards for any event!

Varya ProfileVarya is a mother of 2 beautiful girls and 1 handsome boy, an ESL teacher, a Montessori teacher and a dance teacher, an early educator, a breastfeeding consultant, a perinatal fitness, and a baby massage instructor. She blogs over at CreativeWorldofVarya.Com about creativity, craft, parenting, spiritual and moral education, cooking, multiculturalism, and multilingualism.

Social media:
FB: https://facebook.com/xiaomeishujia
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Varya
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/Vasate

 

Filed Under: Art Teacher Tips
Tagged With: vincent van gogh

 

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