Combine the color and magic of the jungle with a fun tropical, tiger art project inspired by the famous artist, Henri Rousseau! 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! A printable tropical flower template is also included. Get creative and make the project unique by adding your own interpretation!
Who Is Henri Rousseau?
Henri Rousseau, was a famous artist from France, who is best known for his jungle-themed paintings that are filled with vibrant colors and life like 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 actually never left France.
The style of Rousseau’s paintings was unusual for his time. Despite his lack of technical skill, he was able to convey whimsy and emotion through his work. This style is known as primitive.
Create your own colorful jungle art project below inspired by the work of Henri Rousseau.
Get your FREE printable jungle art project!
Get this free Henri Rousseau artist project with an easy to use tiger template!
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
- 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. However, you can look for fallen leaves on the ground if you prefer not to trim your trees or bushes!
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 him to the page, peeking through the jungle. Add a round sun or moon in the background if you like to complete your tiger art project.
Free Tropical Flower Template
You can print this alternate tropical flower template to use instead of real leaves for your tiger art! Just print and color or print onto colored printer paper and cut out.
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 artwork.
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!
More Nature Inspired Art & Crafts To Try
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 easy art projects for kids below.
- Sunrise Painting
- Frida Kahlo Collage
- Monet Sunflowers
- Flower Painting
- Sunflower Art
- Nature Weaving
- Mandalas
- Nature Paint Brushes
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)
Printable Famous Artist Pack
You’ll find each of our famous artists featured in our Famous Artists Project Pack 👇 including a bonus Andy Warhol Coloring Book!
22+ artists and growing with unique projects not available on the website!
