Try a colorful tulip art project inspired by famous artist Yayoi Kusama; perfect for all ages! This do-able flower art activity is a simple way to explore modern art. To create your Kusama-inspired masterpiece, all you need is our printable tulip template below, some paint, and a canvas!
FAMOUS JAPANESE POLKA DOT ARTIST
WHO IS YAYOI KUSAMA?
Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese artist who is talented in SO many areas of art! She works in sculpture, painting, performance, video, fashion, poetry, and writing!
Born 1929 in rural Japan, Kusama had a difficult childhood and says that making art has saved her life. Learn from Kusama how art can help people overcome adversity.
Kusama is known as the “Princess of Polka Dots” in the art world. Her polka dot-themed art began when she was young when Kusama would see dots in her dreams.
During the Pop Art movement, Kusama lived in New York City in the late 1950s and 1960s. However, she became increasingly frustrated with male artists receiving fame for their ideas. In the 1970s, she moved back to Japan.
The fun art activity below is inspired by Yayoi Kusama’s 1986 Tulip painting, which uses patterns of polka dots and nets.
Also check out this polka dot butterfly painting and painted pumpkin inspired by Kusama!
KUSAMA TULIPS ART ACTIVITY
SUPPLIES:
- Tulips template
- Canvas
- Black and pink paint
- Toothpicks
- Scissors
- Glue stick
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1: Print the tulip template.
STEP 2: Paint the tulips using your own colors and design or copy the look of Kusama’s Tulip painting. Use toothpicks to create dots, lines or patterns with your paint.
STEP 3: Leave to dry and then cut out the tulips.
STEP 4: Meanwhile, paint your canvas with pink or red paint.
STEP 5: Once dry, paint over it with black paint. While the paint is still wet, use your toothpicks to create a pattern on the canvas.
STEP 6: Glue your tulips to your canvas when all the paint is dry.
MORE COLORFUL ART ACTIVITIES
Click on the images below for more art projects inspired by famous artists. Or check out these colorful and simple flower craft activities!
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 To Get You Started
Here are a few resources that will help you introduce art more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.
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! Perfect for ages 5-12, with various activities to suit all age levels. 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, featuring famous artists and simple information, with kids of all ages.
- Art Techniques Pack: Learn watercolor, collage, and printmaking techniques for your art projects. This pack is complete with information, tips, and activities to try!
