Create your own Georgia O’Keeffe inspired poppy flower with this fun and easy art project! This is such a fun and simple way to explore color, shape, and texture while learning about one of America’s most famous women in art.
Georgia O’Keeffe Poppy
Perfect for art class, home learning, or a quick substitute activity, this printable poppy flower craft is a creative way to connect art history and hands-on fun. We have more than 25+ famous artists in our collection.
- Artist Study: Georgia O’Keeffe
- Elements of Art: Color, Shape, Space, Texture
- Techniques: Layering, Cut and Paste, Drawing and Coloring
- Grades: K–4
Supplies Needed
Grab your art cart and let’s get started!
- Free Printable Georgia O’Keeffe Poppy Template (color and black-and-white versions included below)
- Crayons, markers, or watercolor paints
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Construction paper or cardstock for background
🎨 What other materials or supplies can you use? Go ahead and put your own spin on this craft. Plus, check out more Georgia O’Keeffe projects below. Our famous artists pack includes a fantastic biography page!
How to Make a Georgia O’Keeffe Poppy
- Print the Template
Choose from the color or black-and-white versions. The black-and-white pages are perfect for customizing your own shades of red, orange, or pink. - Color the Poppy
Encourage students to fill the page with bold color like Georgia O’Keeffe did! Discuss how she used light and shadow to make the petals look three-dimensional. - Cut and Paste
Cut along the bold outlines and glue each piece onto a sheet of paper or cardstock. Layer the petals to create a realistic poppy effect. - Display Your Artwork
Arrange your finished poppies on a bulletin board or classroom display to create a field of flowers!
Who is Georgia O’Keeffe?
Georgia O’Keeffe is well known for her bold and beautiful flower paintings. She often painted flowers up close, filling the canvas so viewers could see every curve and color. Her poppy paintings, such as “Red Poppy” (1927) and “Oriental Poppies” (1928), are full of movement and intensity.
This poppy art project gives kids the chance to explore O’Keeffe’s style by creating their own large, vibrant flower inspired by her work. Here are a few more projects to try!
Why Poppies Symbolize Veterans Day
After World War I, red poppies began growing across battlefields in Flanders, Belgium. The flower became a symbol of remembrance thanks to the poem “In Flanders Fields” by Lt. Col. John McCrae. As a result, the red poppy now represents honor, sacrifice, and gratitude to veterans and service members.
Each year on Veterans Day (November 11), people wear or display red poppies to remember those who served. Creating this Georgia O’Keeffe-inspired poppy gives kids a hands-on way to connect art with history and reflection.
Art Journal Prompt
“How do the shapes and colors in your flower make you feel? Why do you think Georgia O’Keeffe painted flowers so close up?”
Extension Ideas
- Experiment with different flower types in O’Keeffe’s style (sunflowers, lilies, etc.).
- Try a large-scale version on poster paper for a collaborative art project.
- Integrate science by talking about flower parts and pollination.
- Read “In Flanders Fields” and talk about why poppies grow after war.
- Compare Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Oriental Poppies” with Claude Monet’s “Poppy Field” to explore different styles.
- Create a collaborative bulletin board filled with poppy art for your school’s Veterans Day display.
More Women in Art Projects
🎨 Look through all of our women in art projects here!
Free Georgia O’Keeffe Inspired Poppy Craft Template
Bring art history to life in your classroom with this printable poppy craft!
