- Dutch
- 1872-1944
- Was initially a teacher who painted on the side
- Started out as a landscape painter
- Was heavily influenced by the geometric shapes and simplicity of the cubist movement in Paris, where he moved
- Met Bart van der Leck and Theo van Doesberg, who helped him develop his most famous artistic style, which highlights the beauty underlying simple shapes and primary colors
A child just learning motor skills requires a great deal of concentration just to bring these simple shapes to life. Resultantly, they have a heightened appreciation for them, an appreciation that Mondrian relearned. Your child might thereby be able to relate to an important figure in Dutch culture.
Activity
Ask your children to draw 10 dots at random locations on a piece of paper. Then, have them connect one dot to each of the others on the paper with straight lines. (Use a ruler if straight lines are difficult for them.) Repeat for the other 9 dots. The result is a very cool geometric pattern. Take out primary color markers, colored pencils, or crayons and have them fill in the shapes as they see fit. With that, you have a Mondrian inspired piece ready to be hung on the fridge.
Niki de Saint Phalle
- French
- 1930-2002
- Was a sculptor, painter, and film maker, most widely revered for her monumental sculpture work
- Had no formal art training
- Was first recognized for angry, battered works that mirrored emotions associated with a troubled childhood
- Developed a whimsical, joyous artistic style, child-like in its bright color palette
The fun, quirky nature of these pieces will appeal to your child’s innate happiness and creativity. Let their curiosity take over upon asking what the sculpture below on the left represents.