Last Updated on June 27, 2025 by Dee
If you are looking for ways to inspire your students’ imagination, simple art school art activities can help.
These projects give kids a fun break from routine and let them try new ideas with paint, paper, and other basic materials.
You can spark creativity in your classroom with easy-to-follow art activities and free coloring pages inspired by famous artists. Download the free coloring pages at the end of this post!
With these ideas, your students will get a chance to express themselves and find joy in making something new.
Table of Contents
1) Foam Painting Ice Cream Cones
Foam painting ice cream cones is a fun and colorful art activity.
You make your own puffy paint using shaving cream and glue.
Kids love watching the paint puff up as it dries.
Start by mixing equal parts shaving cream and white school glue in a bowl.
Add a little food coloring to create pretty pastel colors for the ice cream scoops.
Draw or cut out a paper cone shape.
Use a spoon or paintbrush to put the puffy paint on top of the cone shape as the “ice cream.”
You can mix and layer different colors to make it look more realistic.
Add sprinkles or cut-out paper “chocolate chips” for decoration.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your flavors—try strawberry, mint, or even rainbow.
This activity is a great way for kids to practice fine motor skills.
If you want more tips, check out an easy guide to puffy paint ice cream crafts for kids.
2) Famous Artist-Inspired Paper Crafts
Paper crafts are a simple way for you to explore famous artists’ styles at home or in the classroom.
You don’t need fancy supplies—just paper, scissors, glue, and some colors.
Try making a collage in the style of Henri Matisse using brightly colored paper cutouts.
You can arrange the shapes to form playful patterns, just like Matisse did.
This project is great for letting your creativity shine.
Another fun idea is to use black lines and bold colors to create art inspired by Piet Mondrian.
Glue strips of black paper onto white paper, then fill the spaces with red, blue, and yellow paper rectangles.
It’s a modern and easy way to make your own abstract art.
Younger kids can enjoy crafting Van Gogh-inspired “Starry Night” swirls by tearing and layering bits of paper in different shades of blue and yellow.
This helps with fine motor skills and teaches a bit about texture.
If you want more ideas and clear instructions, check out these art projects inspired by famous artists or explore a full list of famous artist crafts for kids.
3) Texture Rubbings with Leaves and Coins
Texture rubbings are a fun and easy way for kids to discover new patterns.
You only need some paper, crayons, and a few objects with different surfaces, such as leaves and coins.
Start by placing a leaf or coin under a sheet of paper.
Gently rub a crayon or pencil over the top.
You’ll see the shapes and textures appear right on your paper.
Try using several leaves to see the differences in their veins and shapes.
You can also mix coins into your artwork to add new textures and patterns.
Each coin has its own look and feel.
Kids love to experiment with different colors.
Switching crayon colors can help make your artwork brighter and more interesting.
This is a great activity for exploring nature and learning about everyday objects.
If you want more creative ideas for leaf rubbing art projects or to see how glue adds even more texture, there are lots of easy tips online.
4) DIY Watercolor Resist Art
Watercolor resist art is a fun and easy way to make bright, colorful pictures.
You only need paper, watercolors, and something to resist the paint, like a white crayon or a white gel pen.
Start by drawing a design on your paper with the crayon or gel pen.
Press hard, so your lines show up well.
Next, brush watercolor paint over your drawing.
Watch as your design pops out from under the colors.
You can use this method to make rainbows, animals, or even words.
Try using different colors for a cool effect.
Kids love seeing their hidden lines appear as the paint spreads.
If you want more detailed ideas and steps, check out this collection of watercolor resist art ideas and techniques.
Experiment with salt or different brushes for new looks.
5) Clay Sculpture of Favorite Animals
Working with clay is hands-on, fun, and lets you be creative in your own way.
You can make your favorite animal from just a lump of clay, using your hands or simple tools.
Start by choosing an animal you really like.
It can be a pet, a wild animal, or even a made-up creature.
Many kids enjoy making animals like cats, dogs, birds, or turtles.
You don’t need fancy tools.
A pencil, toothpick, or even your fingers work fine to add details like eyes and fur.
Air dry clay is easy to use and doesn’t need baking in an oven.
Once your animal is shaped, you can let it dry and then paint it with bright colors.
This helps bring your creation to life and makes each project look different.
This kind of art helps you practice hand-eye coordination and lets your imagination run free.
For more ideas, you can check out these easy clay animal crafts that are perfect for kids.
6) Abstract Shape Collage
You can create eye-catching art with just paper, scissors, and glue.
An abstract shape collage lets you use your imagination and play with colors and shapes in your own way.
Start by gathering construction paper or colorful scraps.
Cut out different shapes like circles, squares, triangles, and wavy lines.
Try not to worry about making the shapes perfect.
Arrange your shapes on a blank background.
You can overlap the pieces, flip them, or place them side by side.
If you want ideas, artists like Henri Matisse loved making simple yet bold cut-out collages.
Glue the pieces down when you’re happy with the look.
You can use just a few shapes or fill the whole page.
Each collage you make will look different.
Abstract collages encourage you to play and experiment.
There is no right or wrong way to do it.
This activity lets you practice your cutting and design skills while having fun.
When you finish, share your artwork with others and talk about your favorite shapes or color choices.
7) Handprint Animals Using Paint
Handprint animal art is a playful way to combine painting with a little bit of imagination.
You only need some paint, blank paper, and your hands.
Kids love seeing their handprints turn into different animals.
To start, help kids press their painted hands onto the paper.
Once the handprint dries, you can use markers or paintbrushes to add faces, tails, and other details.
Try making a lion from a yellow handprint or an elephant using a gray one.
Making handprint animals is a great chance for kids to learn about shapes and animals at the same time.
They can experiment with colors and watch their own hands become something new.
You can find even more ideas to try and see many ways to make handprint art at home or in class.
Kids often enjoy making several animals in one project.
Mix it up with wild animals like monkeys or giraffes, as well as farm favorites like cows and sheep.
For extra inspiration, check out these wild animals handprint art ideas.
8) Create Your Own Stained Glass with Tissue Paper
Making stained glass art with tissue paper is a fun and simple activity you can do at school or at home.
All you need is colored tissue paper, wax paper, glue, and scissors.
This art project is easy to set up and clean up.
Start by cutting or tearing the tissue paper into different shapes and colors.
Lay a piece of wax paper on the table.
You can use a paintbrush to spread a little glue or liquid starch on the wax paper.
Next, place your tissue paper shapes onto the sticky surface.
Overlap some pieces to create new colors and interesting effects.
When you’re happy with your design, add another layer of glue if needed to make sure all the pieces stick down.
Let your artwork dry completely before you handle it.
When dry, your tissue paper stained glass will look beautiful hanging in a sunny window.
The light will shine through the paper and make your design colorful and bright.
This project is great for all ages and doesn’t need any special tools.
For inspiration and more tips, check out these ideas for tissue paper stained glass art and craft directions for kids.
9) 3D Geometric Paper Art
Try making 3D geometric paper art for a fresh twist on regular paper crafts. You only need some colored paper, scissors, and glue.
Cut, fold, and glue simple shapes to create cool sculptures that stand up on their own. You can make animals, buildings, or abstract shapes.
This hands-on activity helps you learn about geometry and spatial thinking while having a lot of fun. Mixing and matching colors can make your project pop.
If you want an easy start, you can print out free 3D paper templates. Just print, cut, fold, and glue your pieces together.
Check out these 3D Papercraft templates or get more ideas from this list of printable 3D paper crafts.
10) Nature-Inspired Mandala Drawing
Nature-inspired mandala drawing lets you explore patterns and shapes found outside. You can gather leaves, flowers, stones, and twigs to inspire your mandala design.
Start by looking at the shapes you see in your natural objects. Try to repeat those shapes in a circular pattern, working from the center outward.
Mandalas use symmetry, so your design will look balanced and interesting. You can draw mandalas in a sketchbook or even make one on the ground using the objects you collected.
This hands-on project teaches you about the pattern and balance seen throughout nature. If you want more ideas, check out these fun nature mandala art and craft ideas.
You might find new ways to use the colors and textures you collect from the world around you. Making a mandala helps you focus, relax, and enjoy the simple beauty outdoors.
11) Pop-Up Card Making
Pop-up card making is a hands-on way for you to mix art and creativity with a bit of engineering. It’s simple to start, and you can make cards for birthdays, holidays, or just for fun.
All you need is some paper, scissors, glue, and markers or crayons. You get to fold your paper and cut shapes that stand up when the card opens.
This makes your artwork really pop. You can draw a favorite animal or a special message inside for someone you care about.
Making pop-up cards helps you think about how things move and fit together. Plus, you can try different ideas by adding layers, backgrounds, or even small moving pieces.
If you want inspiration and step-by-step tips, check out some easy pop-up card projects and see lots of designs kids have made.
12) Mixing Primary Colors Exploration
Mixing primary colors is a fun way for you to learn about art and science at the same time. Start with red, yellow, and blue paint or food coloring.
Try putting small amounts of these colors into different cups or on a palette. Mix two together and see what happens.
Watch how red and yellow make orange, or blue and yellow make green. You can use a brush or even your fingers to swirl the colors.
This simple activity teaches you how new colors are made from just three main ones. If you want to keep things neat, try putting colored gel into a sealed bag and squish the colors together with your hands.
This idea keeps your space mess-free and is both fun and easy. Check out more ideas for mess-free color mixing.
When you explore mixing primary colors, you’re learning the basics of how artists create different shades. This is a great way to experiment and see what unique colors you can make.
11 Free Artist-Inspired Coloring Pages for School Art Lessons
Why Art Activities Foster Imagination in Kids
Art gives your child a safe space to share ideas, solve problems, and try new things. Hands-on art projects also support mental growth, self-esteem, and communication.
Benefits of Creative Expression
Making art lets your child express thoughts and feelings that might be hard to put into words. Drawing, painting, and building with clay help your child process emotions and work through new experiences.
Art projects that focus on the process, rather than the final piece, encourage kids to think more flexibly. Process art—like letting kids choose their own colors or materials—helps develop problem-solving and thinking skills.
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, process-focused art activities spark more creativity and have long-lasting effects on your child’s development.
Encouraging creative freedom improves focus, patience, and persistence. Kids learn to try new ideas, use their imaginations, and enjoy exploring without fear of making a mistake.
Building Confidence Through Artistic Play
Art activities let your child take the lead. When kids make choices about colors, materials, or themes, they learn that their ideas matter.
Each time your child finishes a project, they feel pride in their work. This sense of accomplishment builds confidence over time.
Art allows room for experimentation and making mistakes. When you encourage your child to try new techniques, they learn it’s okay if things do not go as planned.
Collaborating on art with others also teaches important social skills like sharing, listening, and communicating. These positive experiences help your child trust their instincts and grow as a confident creator.
Making the Most of Artist-Inspired Coloring Pages
Artist-inspired coloring pages help you bring the world of famous painters to your classroom or home. They let you spark creativity, teach about art history, and introduce different painting styles in a way kids understand.
Tips for Engaging Young Artists
Keep things fun and interactive by letting kids choose which artist or style they want to color. Offer a range of pages, from simple Warhol pop art designs to bold Picasso portraits.
You can download and print various artist-themed coloring pages for a wide age range. Encourage kids to experiment with different materials.
Try washable markers, crayons, colored pencils, or even watercolor paints for a new twist. Set up a small art supply station with choices so kids take ownership of their creative process.
Make each page special by letting kids add their own details or backgrounds. Ask them about their color choices or what they think the original artist would have liked.
Display finished work around the room to celebrate their effort and boost their confidence.
Encouraging Exploration With Famous Art Styles
Introduce children to various art styles by pairing each coloring page with a short story or fun fact about the featured artist. For example, discuss Andy Warhol’s love for bright colors and repeated shapes before exploring his pop art coloring sheets.
You can find coloring pages and simple artist facts bundled together on sites for kids. Let students compare and contrast works from artists like Monet, Van Gogh, or Matisse.
This helps them notice how different styles look and feel. Encourage them to try coloring with thick, short strokes like Van Gogh or soft dabs like Monet.
Host a mini-gallery walk where children display their completed pages and talk about the style or artist they learned about. This activity helps them build presentation skills and deepen their appreciation for art.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many fun ways to encourage kids to make art, from printable coloring pages to hands-on projects at home. Art activities can help children of all ages explore new skills, try new materials, and express themselves.
What are some free printable art activities that are suitable for preschoolers?
Young children enjoy simple coloring sheets and easy crafts. You can find printable activities like color-by-shape pages, nature rubbings, and themed coloring pages made just for preschoolers in lists like these free homeschool art printables.
These help little ones develop their fine motor skills.
Can you suggest engaging art projects for 10-year-olds who love to draw?
Ten-year-olds can take on more detailed projects. Try DIY watercolor resist art or famous artist-inspired paper crafts.
Drawing self-portraits, designing comic strips, or making their own clay model animals also keep kids this age interested.
Where can I find art activity sheets to help spark creativity in children?
There are many websites that offer activity sheets, coloring pages, and creative prompts. For example, you can explore free artist coloring pages as well as themed printables from art-focused blogs and educational sites.
How can I incorporate art activities into an elementary school curriculum?
Add hands-on projects such as foam painting, DIY watercolor art, or leaf rubbings to your weekly lessons. These projects work well with units about science or literature.
Encourage students to reflect on their work by talking about their creative choices and what inspired them.
Are there any artist-inspired coloring pages available for download?
Plenty of artist-inspired coloring pages are free or low-cost online. Children can color in famous artworks, make their own versions, or follow creative prompts to learn about artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and others.
What are some easy and accessible art activities for kids that can be done at home?
Kids can use household items for creative art. Try making texture rubbings with coins or leaves.
Paint foam ice cream cones or build simple sculptures using clay or homemade dough. These activities need minimal supplies and can be set up in just a few minutes.
Grab the Free Artist-Inspired Coloring Pages HERE (below👇🏻)!
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