Combine art and architecture with a Piet Mondrian inspired art activity for kids. Create a skyline of colors with this very simple set-up Mondrian art lesson using a few basic supplies. Learn a little bit about Piet Mondrian for kids as well as abstract art in the process.
Who Is Piet Mondrian?
Piet Mondrian is a Dutch artist best known for his abstract paintings. Abstract art is art that does not show things that are recognizable, such as people, objects, or landscapes. Instead, artists use colors, shapes, and textures to achieve their effect.
Take a look: 7 Elements of Art
More Fun Mondrian Art Projects
Set Up Piet Mondrian for Kids
Have a turn at creating your own Mondrian abstract art with our printable building template and markers!
SUPPLIES:
- Printable building template
- Ruler
- Black marker
- Blue, red, and yellow markers
TIP: Don’t want to use markers? Try various art supplies, such as paint, pastels, and colored pencils, and mix and match for a mixed-media project.
INSTRUCTIONS:
STEP 1. Print the building template above.
STEP 2. Use the black marker and the ruler to draw horizontal and vertical lines inside the building shapes.
STEP 3. Color the shapes you have drawn inside the buildings with the colored markers. Leave some white in the style that Mondrian became famous for.
Abstract Art with Mondrian for Kids
Piet Mondrian is considered an abstract artist primarily because of his style, neoplasticism, which aimed to reduce art to its fundamental elements of color, line, and form. In his abstract paintings, Mondrian used geometric shapes such as squares and rectangles and a limited palette of primary colors (red, blue, yellow) along with black and white.
His compositions were characterized by grids of intersecting horizontal and vertical lines, creating balance, harmony, and rhythm.
Before fully embracing abstraction, Mondrian experimented with various artistic movements, including Post-Impressionism and Cubism. During this time, he created landscapes, still lifes, and figurative compositions that were more representational in nature.
More Fun Art Projects For Kids
- Have a turn at creating your own Monet impressionist art with this Monet sunflower activity.
- Create your own primitive winter art with Grandma Moses.
- Paint a colorful landscape in the style of Bronwyn Bancroft.
- Enjoy an owl art project, inspired by Kenojuak Ashevak’s Preening Owl.
- Use the printable Mona Lisa to make your own mixed media art.
- Try an Escher Zentangle project.
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 For Kids
Below you will find helpful art resources to add to the artist-inspired project above!
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! It is perfect for ages 5-12, with various activities to suit all age levels. It is 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 with kids of all ages. They feature famous artists and simple information.
- Art Techniques Pack: Learn watercolor, collage, and printmaking techniques for your art projects. This pack is complete with information, tips, and activities to try!
