Art History

If adding art history topics to your art lessons sounds like extra time and effort that you don’t have, then here are a couple of points that might help change your mind.

First, working with projects that are about or inspired by famous artists from the past might be easier than you think. They don’t have to be messy, drawn-out affairs. Even simple drawings done in one class can teach kids many valuable lessons. Below are links to some of the easy and popular art history projects on this website.

Top 7 Art History Projects for Kids

Why learn more about art history? Trying out some of the ideas some of these famous artists were known for is also a great way to expand creative thinking skills. For instance, a cubism self portrait drawn with a front and side view like Picasso, makes for an instant abstract work of art. Adding patterns to a still life painting like Matisse – also lovely. And then there’s Keith Haring, who loved to draw simple figures with big bold lines. Frida Kahlo was famous for adding her Mexican culture to her art, especially from a woman’s point of view. When kids try these ideas out, they not only gain a better understanding of what the artist was trying to do, they might decide to keep some of these thoughts for their future art too.

Teaching children about some of these artists and they helped changed the world of art, helps them gain a greater appreciation for all the possibilities they enjoy today.