Famous Artists For Kids

Unlock the joy of art history with hands-on famous artist projects for kids! Designed for kids aged 5–12, these creative art lessons introduce them to the lives and styles of over 25 famous artists—past and present. With free printable art projects, simple supplies, and easy-to-follow instructions, your kids can explore art history in a fun and accessible way—perfect for classrooms and homeschool!

Famous Artists for Kids

You’ll find artists from around the world, including diverse voices from women, people of color, and Indigenous communities. Let’s dive into the world of famous artists and make art history fun and approachable for kids!

Why Teach Kids About Famous Artists?

• Encourages creativity and self-expression
• Introduces different art styles and cultural perspectives
• Builds knowledge of art history in an engaging way
• Promotes critical thinking through hands-on exploration

🎨 Want a deeper dive into each artist? Check out our Famous Artist Project Pack with 25+ artist guides and activities, including extension projects and printable templates.

Free Sample: Piet Mondrian Mini Pack

Try this fun and free sample of what you’ll find in our Famous Artists Pack with this Piet Mondrian mini pack.

Explore Our Artist-Inspired Projects

Each artist’s project below links to additional information about the artist’s life, artistic style, and cultural impact. These hands-on projects offer a great way to connect art-making with learning about history, culture, and personal expression. Use the links to learn more!

Here’s a sampling of the incredible artists and projects you can enjoy:

Vincent van Gogh

Discover bold brushstrokes and emotional color with:

• Starry Night Painting
• Van Gogh Sunflowers
• Monochrome Starry Night (coffee painting)
• Lemon Still Life

Yayoi Kusama

Celebrate polka dots and patterns:

• Polka Dot Butterfly Painting
• Kusama Pumpkin
• Kusama Watermelon Art
• Kusama Tulip Art

Frida Kahlo

Explore self-expression and Mexican culture:

• Frida Leaf Collage
• Frida Winter Art
• Frida Ornament
• Explore all Frida Kahlo Art Projects here

Henri Matisse

Cut, paste, and create with color:

• Matisse Flower Art
• Winter Birds Collage
• Christmas Tree Shapes
• Matisse leaves
• Matisse Beast of the Sea Project

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Bold colors and powerful messages:

• Funky Self-Portraits
• Oil Pastel Resist Art

Alma Thomas

Bright mosaics and happy patterns:

• Circle Art
• Stamped Heart Art
• Bubble Wrap Printing

Claude Monet

Impressionism for kids:

• Monet Sunflower Painting
• Monet Bridge Painting
• Monet Mixed Media Flowers

Pablo Picasso

Explore Cubism and creativity:

• Picasso Faces
• Picasso Collage
• Picasso Flowers
• Explore all Pablo Picasso Art Projects here

Faith Ringgold

Tell a story through quilts:

• Story Quilt Art Project

Andy Warhol

Pop art fun:

• Pop Art Flowers
• Pop Art Earth
• Pop Art Leaves
• Pop Art Popsicles
• Explore all Warhol Projects here

Lorna Simpson

Create thoughtful collages:

• Mixed Media Collage Art

Salvador Dali

Dream-like surrealism:

• Surrealist Clock Art
• Cyclops Dough Sculpture

MC Escher

Math meets art:

• Escher Tessellation
• Escher Eye Art

Roy Lichtenstein

Bold colors and comics:

• Sunrise Painting
• Lichtenstein Boo Halloween
• Bunny Art

Keith Haring

Energetic lines and social messages:

• Keith Haring Line Art
• Keith Haring Printable Art Game

Wassily Kandinsky

Feelings in color:

• Kandinsky Circles Mosaic
• Kandinsky Torn Paper
• Kandinsky Haunted House
• Kandinsky Trees

Michelangelo

Inspired by the Sistine Chapel:

• Faux Fresco Painting

Leonardo da Vinci

Master of Renaissance innovation:

• Mixed Media Mona Lisa Collage

Gustav Klimt

Gold leaf and elegant patterns:

• Women in Gold Portrait Project

Georgia O’Keeffe

Celebrate the beauty of nature:

• O’Keeffe Pastel Flowers
• O’Keeffe Leaves
• O’Keeffe Skull

Henri Rousseau

Imaginative jungles:

• Jungle Animal Collage

Jacob Lawrence

Art that tells history:

• Shapes & Stories Art Project

Grandma Moses

Folk art for all ages:

• Primitive Winter Art

Bronwyn Bancroft

Bold Australian landscapes:

• Colorful Landscape Painting

Hilma af Klint

Abstract spiritual art:

• Bold Shape Collage

Kenojuak Ashevak

Inuit-inspired designs:

• Owl Art Project
• Bird Art Project

Edvard Munch

Feelings on canvas:

• The Scream Art Project

Hokusai

Waves and woodblock prints:

• The Great Wave Painting

Joan Miró

Playful abstraction:

• Create whimsical line drawings

Laurel Burch

Magical creatures and bold patterns: [coming soon]

• Use vibrant colors and metallic markers to design whimsical animals inspired by Burch’s folk-art style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age are these artist projects best for?
These projects are designed for kids ages 5–12 and work well in both homeschool and classroom settings.

Do you offer free printables of famous artists?
Yes! We offer free printable art activities for many artists, along with a complimentary Piet Mondrian mini pack to help you get started.

Can I use these art lessons as part of a classroom art history unit?
Absolutely! These activities are ideal for integrating into elementary art or cross-curricular history units.

Art Lessons for Kids with Printables

• Free Color Wheel and Color Mixing Mini Pack
• Process Art for Beginners
• Preschool Art Projects
• STEAM Art Activities
• What Are the 7 Elements of Art?
• Art Challenge Prompts
• Make an Art Cart
• Free Famous Artist Portrait Coloring Pages

Get the Full Bundle

Ready to bring art history to life? Our Famous Artists Bundle  is ideal for both home and classroom use. Designed for ages 5-12, it includes:

• Famous Artists Project Pack: Explore 25+ artists with info sheets, projects, and printables.
• Artists Challenge Pack: Extra activities and scavenger hunts.
• 7 Elements of Art Pack: Learn key art concepts with hands-on projects.
• Art & Playdough Pack: Make your own dough and use themed art mats.
• Art Techniques Pack: Discover watercolor, collage, and more!