Silhouette Art for Kids

Want to help kids understand what makes great art? Start with the 7 elements of art—line, shape, form, space, texture, value, and color. In this post, you’ll find simple definitions, hands-on art projects for each element, and a free printable elements of art guide to use

Shapes as an Element of Art

Shapes are the foundation of art! In art, shapes help us create structure, define boundaries, and add visual interest. Artists utilize shapes in various ways, from creating realistic images to designing abstract forms.

We can create unique and powerful artwork by combining shapes with other elements like color and contrast. Today, we’ll use shapes to make silhouette art and explore the mystery and simplicity of creating without details—just shadows!

💡 Learn more about the 7 Elements of Art [here] and find more projects!

Supplies Needed:

Grade Level Recommendation: Grades 1st to 5th. Younger kids will love the simplicity of working with big shapes, while older kids can experiment with adding different details and designs within their backgrounds.

• Silhouette template below (tree, owls, and moon shapes)
• Scissors
• Watercolor paints (make DIY watercolors here)
• White paper or watercolor paper
• Glue stick
• Paper towel (for blending watercolors)

💡 How can you make it your own? Feel free to follow our example step by step or create your own version! Explore more watercolor projects and techniques here.

How To Make Silhouette Art:

Print the Template: First, print out the silhouette template with the tree, owl, and moon shapes.

Create the Background: Using watercolor paints, create a gradient background that looks like a sunset or sunrise. Choose warm colors like red, orange, and yellow, or cool colors like blue and purple for a night scene.

Cut Out the Silhouettes: Carefully cut out the silhouette shapes – the tree, owls, and moon.

Assemble Your Art: Use the glue stick to place the tree, owls, and moon on your watercolor background. Arrange them in any way you like to create your unique silhouette story!

About the 7 Elements of Art:

This activity focuses on two essential elements of art: shape and value.

• Line: Lines guide the viewer’s eye and add character. The branches in the tree silhouette use lines to create movement and mood.
• Shape: Shapes are the foundation of this project. We use simple black shapes to tell a story without details.
• Color: The background color adds depth. A sunset gradient can change the mood and make the silhouettes stand out.
• Value: Value is the lightness or darkness of colors. Using black shapes against a bright background creates a striking contrast.
• Texture: Though we don’t add physical texture, blending watercolors can create a soft, textured look in the background.
• Form: Form suggests 3D. Layering shapes, like placing an owl behind a branch, adds depth even in a 2D piece.
• Space: Space is about layout. Arranging the tree, moon, and owls with open areas creates balance and gives the art breathing room.

Art Extension Activities:

• Shadow Art: Explore shadow art using a flashlight or sunlight to cast shadows on objects and draw the outlines. This is a fun way to explore shapes in real life!
• Color Gradient Exploration: Experiment with gradients in different colors to create a unique look for your silhouette backgrounds.
• Animal Silhouettes: Try creating silhouettes of different animals or objects! Use basic shapes to represent various animals, like a cat, bird, or fish.

Art Reflection Questions:

• What emotions do you feel when you look at your silhouette art?
• How do the colors in your background change the mood of the art?
• What story do the shapes in your art tell?

More 7 Elements of Art Activities

• Zentangle Lines with Escher
• Texture Art with Thomas
• Shapes with Matisse Flowers
• Ice Cream Art (Space)
• Paper Sculpture (Form)
• Texture Art with Cardboard

Pin

Pin

Pin

Pin

Pin

Pin