What could inspire creativity better than outdoors in summer time? Running on a beach, watching fireflies, smelling wild flowers, or going for a hike, provides our kids with endless opportunities to expend their imagination. Let’s use it to connect with fine art. After all, nature inspired so many great artists. Just choose your favorite ones and introduce their artworks to your kids. Here are some ideas.
- Visiting beach: Monet Regatta at Sainte-Adresse or Camille on the Beach
- Having a picnic: Renoir Luncheon of the Boating Party, Monet Luncheon on the Grass
- Gathering flowers: Van Gough Sunflowers or Irises
- Looking at stars at night: Van Gogh The Starry Night or Starry Night Over the Rhone
- Going for a boat ride or fishing: Monet In the “Norvegienne”
- Playing in a garden: Klimt Farm Garden with Sunflowers, Monet Monet’s garden at Vétheuil or Camille Monet and a Child in the Artist’s Garden in Argenteuil
- Visiting park: Seurat A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte
- Going to the country side: Constable Wivenhoe Park
What should you talk about when you show your child a painting? Ask if she likes it. Listen if she has some remarks about it. Talk about colors, shapes, mood of the painting, and the way it makes her feel. Compare the painting with your child’s experience (visiting the beach, etc.) Ask what would she do if she could enter it.
Go Further
Don’t stop at just showing the art and talking about it. Encourage your child to create his own summer art. Don’t worry about it not resembling great masters. The child might borrow ideas and develop them in his own way. Let it be drawing, painting, sculpting, or anything else. Gather with your child real flowers, leaves, beach shells, and other natural materials. Add stickers, play dough, recycling items, etc. Combine variety of materials and let your child create his summer masterpiece.
Kids Inspired by Classical Music and FineArt 