4/17/2014

Piet Mondrian for Kids (Crafts for Lazy Parents)

One of the first artists' styles I remember recognizing is Piet Mondrian's. Even though Mondrian started off as an impressionist in late 19th century Amsterdam, years in Paris and his own spiritual quest led him to develop Neoplasticism. I don't remember that word, nor do I remember another description of Mondrian's later paintings: geometric abstraction.

But the black lines, rectangles and primary colors?

Those I've remembered for more than 30 years.


How could primary colors and simple black lines NOT appeal to a kid who liked art but felt she had no artistic ability?


I remember sitting at my desk with a ruler, black marker and crayons and making my own versions of Mondrian's works, feeling like a "real" artist. That's a great way for older kids to connect to Mondrian. With young kids, I would cut out long strips of black construction paper as well as squares and rectangles in primary colors (I know, prep work, ugh, but I promise it won't take long). Then you could let little ones glue everything down. Another option would be to just cut out strips of black paper, have kids glue them down, then color in the squares and rectangles.

I usually suggest reading books about an artist beforehand. But once again, children's book publishers have failed me and there aren't any good kids' books about Mondrian. I should probably be writing one instead of blogging.

Oh well.

There are a few books that could be helpful, though (all links are affiliates):

This one is not so much about Mondrian as inspired by his style. The story is cute but more geared for middle to late elementary school.













This book, even though it's an alphabet book, is geared for older kids. It's not exclusively about Mondrian, but at least it includes one of his works.













Another book that discusses a number of different artists, this one could actually work for preschoolers. In simple, rhyming text it discusses how different famous artists see things. 











Did you discover a favorite artist or style when you were a kid?

20 comments:

Eat To Live said...

I am all for anything that keeps the little ones busy. When my Grandkids come over, I always try to have things for them to do.

Masshole Mommy said...

LOVE it. My kids love to create works of art and I am definitely the epitome of a lazy craft mom.

Taty said...

We have been focussing on music artists for a while. You reminded us that we need to explore more artistic currents

JT and Amanda said...

This looks like my little guy would enjoy this. I'll have to work on making it when we get home from running errands today.

Unknown said...

we do art projects, but not anything ever based on a specific artist yet. Mostly just doing things to get their creative juices flowing.

The Chef's Wife | Anne said...

So cool ... reminds me of stained glass! Wasn't into art really as a child, aside from just coloring really. I am much more as an adult.

Tough Cookie Mommy said...

These arts and crafts activities are perfect for busy parents like myself. I enjoy doing them with my boys but I don't always have the time to do so.

Liz Mays said...

I remember American artists from grade school, but it's the impressionists I lstudied in college that have really stuck with me. I love that style.

Unknown said...

My little guy would really like this. My kids love to create works of art!

Unknown said...

What a great way to introduce the little ones to fine art. I LOVE this project.

Pam said...

I love anything that introduces kids to art in an engaging way! I will definitely be checking these books out.

mail4rosey said...

I discovered art/artists in college. I've started my own kiddos much earlier (even the little one has his famous artists board book sets), and we take them to art museums every chance we get. :)

Jaredamy said...

When I was a kid I kinda of tooted to my own horn when it came to art.

Rebecca said...

When I was a kid I just enjoyed drawing though i wasn't any good. However when i got older and realized my greatest assets was stick people I was told the world needed them.

Unknown said...

Kids would surely love to engage with these kind of things.

valmg @ Mom Knows It All said...

Sadly we never focused on art much when I was in school. I think it's great to encourage kids to have an interest in it and learn about it.

Casa Vilora Interiors said...

Looks really good! I love easy craft projects with the kids

Erica said...

You always come up with great craft projects to do with the kids. This is another fun one!

Cheap Is The *New* Classy said...

I love doing art projects. These blocks of color look really cool.

Mommy 2 J.A.M. said...

My mom always has stuff for the kids to do at her house. I really like how you have so many wonderful things and ideas to keep little ones busy.