Combine the color and magic of the jungle with a fun tropical tiger art project inspired by the famous artist Henri Rousseau! This is a great way to explore mixed-media art with kids of all ages. All you need are colored markers, real leaves, and our printable tiger template below! Get creative and make this jungle art project unique by adding your own interpretation!
Rousseau Jungle Art Project
Introduce young artists to the world of texture, color, and composition with this playful jungle art project inspired by Henri Rousseau. Kids will explore nature-based materials and mixed media techniques as they create a vibrant jungle scene.
They will also learn to layer elements and use contrast to make their artwork pop. This project also encourages observation of natural shapes and patterns—perfect for building foundational art and science skills.
This is a fantastic beginner-friendly introduction to several key elements of art, especially texture, space, shape, and color.
Tiger Art Activity
🎨TIP: While the option to create this tiger art activity is simple to follow, you can make it your own, too. How else can you use the tiger template and this activity for creative inspiration to make a unique masterpiece?
Supplies:
- Tiger template (below)
- Scissors
- Card stock
- Glue stick
- Real Leaves (or use our printable tropical flower template)
- Optional: Playdough or Modelling Clay (to press in real leaves)
Instructions:
STEP 1: Print the tiger template and color.
STEP 2: Mold clay or playdough if using into three long strips and press into the cardstock at each side and at the bottom of the page.
STEP 3: Collect leaves from outside. If you prefer not to trim your trees or bushes, you can look for fallen leaves on the ground!
💡 Alternatively, see our free tropical flower printable below if you prefer to use paper leaves and flowers!
STEP 4: Press the leaves into the playdough strips to attach. Leave a space in the middle for your tiger.
STEP 5: Once you have designed your jungle, cut out the tiger and glue it to the page, peeking through the jungle. Add a round sun or moon in the background if you like to complete your jungle art project.
Free Tropical Flower Template
You can print this alternate tropical flower template instead of real leaves for your tiger art! Print and color, or print onto colored printer paper and cut out.
Get your FREE printable jungle art project!
Get this free Henri Rousseau tiger art project with an easy-to-use tiger template!
Who Is Henri Rousseau?
Henri Rousseau was a famous artist from France. He is best known for his jungle-themed paintings, which are filled with vibrant colors and lifelike details. He lived from 1844 to 1910 and only became a full-time artist when he was 49.
Even though he didn’t receive formal training as an artist, Rousseau’s paintings had a special quality that made the lush green jungles and wild animals come alive on his canvases.
He would paint scenes with thick foliage, tall trees, and mysterious creatures, using bright colors and careful brushstrokes. His attention to detail made his jungle paintings truly captivating.
Some people mistakenly thought that Rousseau had travelled to Mexico because he painted the jungle so well, but he never left France.
The style of Rousseau’s paintings was unusual for his time. Despite his lack of technical skill, he could convey whimsy and emotion through his work. This style is known as primitive.
More Nature-Inspired Art Projects By Famous Artists
Adding nature to your art projects can be a fun and creative way to incorporate mixed-media techniques. Whether you use real items from nature or create your own nature-inspired scene, try one of the famous artist-inspired art projects for kids below.
- Sunrise Painting
- Frida Kahlo Collage
- Monet Sunflowers
- Flower Painting
- Sunflower Art
- Great Wave Art Project
Helpful Art Resources To Get You Started
Here are a few resources to help you introduce art more effectively to your kids or students and feel confident when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.
- Free Color Mixing Mini Pack
- Getting Started with Process Art
- Preschool Art Projects
- How to Make Paint
- Easy Painting Ideas For Kids
- Free Art Challenges
- What Are The 7 Elements Of Art?
- STEAM Activities (Science + Art)
- Make an Art Cart
Printable Famous Artist Pack
You’ll find each of our famous artists featured in our Famous Artists Project Pack 👇
