Spring is not only the perfect time to explore butterflies, but it is also the perfect time to make a polka dot butterfly painting inspired by famous artist, Yayoi Kusama. All you need is our printable butterfly template below, and some paint and a few cotton swabs to create your own colorful butterfly artwork!
EASY BUTTERFLY PAINTING FOR KIDS
WHO IS YAYOI KUSAMA?
Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese artist who is talented in SO many areas of art! She works in sculpture, painting, performance, video, fashion, poetry, and writing!
Kusama is known in the art world as the “Princess of Polka Dots.” Her polka dot-themed art began when she was young when Kusama would see dots in her dreams.
Kusama lived in New York City in the late 1950s and 1960s, during the Pop Art movement. But she became increasingly frustrated with male artists receiving fame for her ideas. In the 1970s, she moved back to Japan.
The fun art activity below is inspired by Yayoi Kusama’s 1985 butterfly painting, which uses dense patterns of colorful polka dots.
Also check out Kusama Tulip Painting For Kids and painted pumpkin!
BUTTERFLY PAINTING
Do you know butterflies with polka dots are found in nature? Why do butterflies often have dots or spots on them? The markings actually encourage an attacker to aim for parts of the butterfly’s body that aren’t as important for its survival, like the edges of the wings.
SUPPLIES:
- Butterfly template
- Art paper
- Acrylic paint
- Coarse salt
- Toothpicks
- Cotton Swabs
- Scissors
- Glue stick
INSTRUCTIONS:
STEP 1: Print the butterfly template.
STEP 2: Using acrylic paint and water, paint the background art paper and then sprinkle salt on your wet paint. Leave to dry.
Adding salt is a fun and easy way to give the background lots of texture! Here’s another way you can do salt painting!
STEP 3: Use a paintbrush, toothpicks and cotton swabs to paint the sections of your butterfly printable with lots of polka dots.
Make sure to check out more painting ideas for kids!
How many dots can you fit on your butterfly?
Use a different colored paint to add polka dots to sections you have already painted.
STEP 4: Cut out your butterfly when it is dry.
STEP 5: Wipe the excess salt from the background paper and then glue your butterfly to the background.
MORE FUN SPRING ART ACTIVITIES
Add this butterfly painting activity to your spring lesson plans! Here’s a few more fun ideas…
WHY STUDY FAMOUS ARTISTS?
Studying the artwork of the masters not only influences your artistic style but even improves your skills and decisions when creating your own original work.
It is great for kids to be exposed to different styles of art, experiment with different mediums, and techniques through our famous artist art projects.
Kids may even find an artist or artists whose work they really like and will inspire them to do more of their own art work.
Why is learning about art from the past important?
- Kids who are exposed to art have an appreciation for beauty!
- Kids who study art history feel a connection to the past!
- Art discussions develop critical thinking skills!
- Kids who study art learn about diversity at a young age!
- Art history can inspire curiosity!
Helpful Art Resources To Get You Started
Here are a few resources that will help you introduce art more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.
Printable Famous Artist Bundle
You’ll find each of our famous artists featured in our Famous Artists Project Pack 👇 including tons of fantastic resources!
This bundle includes a variety of art packs to cover different areas of the art experience! Perfect for ages 5-12, with various activities to suit all age levels. Easy to use in the home or classroom.
PACKS INCLUDE:
- Famous Artists Project Pack with 25+ artists to explore past and present, including women, people of color, and indigenous peoples.
- Artists Challenge Pack: Various extra art projects, including a museum scavenger hunt and extras.
- 7 Elements of Art Pack: Learn about and explore the 7 elements of art with handy information, tips, and fun projects to try.
- Art and Playdough Pack: Make homemade playdough and use these art mats, featuring famous artists and simple information, with kids of all ages.
- Art Techniques Pack: Learn watercolor, collage, and printmaking techniques for your art projects. This pack is complete with information, tips, and activities to try!
