How to Help Your Child Appreciate Art

An appreciation of great art can lead children to a better understanding of beauty, history and cultures. These tips will help introduce children (and their parents) to famous paintings and artists.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Access to pictures of famous paintings (books, Internet, postcards from museums)

1. Choose a picture of a famous painting and look at it with your child.

2. Ask your child what he thinks is happening in the painting after a few minutes of quiet observation. Offer your observations as well.

3. Discuss the "mood" of the painting. Describe the feelings that the painting evokes. What techniques or choices did the artist make to bring about those feelings? For example, discuss color choices and facial expressions.

4. Research a little bit about the artist who painted the picture and then discuss if and how the artist's life is reflected in the painting.

5. Encourage her to create a painting in a similar style to the picture you've studied if your child is interested.

Tips & Warnings

• Let your child choose the painting he'd like to study.
• Many artists painted pictures of animals and children; these can be excellent introductions.