This easy painting project for kids is a fabulous lesson on organic and geometric shape!
When teaching the art elements to kids, it’s best to start with the most simple elements of art – shape and line.
This shape painting is a great project for the start of the school year, but can be used any time. It gives kids a foundational knowledge of the element of shape and introduces the two main categories of shape – geometric and organic.
Here’s how I define organic and geometric shapes for young children:
Geometric shapes are found in math and have official names.
Organic shapes are often found in nature and don’t have official names.
In this shape painting, kids will first trace geometric shapes. Then they will fill these shapes with organic ones. Finally, it is all tied together with watercolor paint.
It’s a low-prep art activity with great results that will boost young artists’ confidence – plus teach them about organic and geometric shapes!
Here’s how we created these shape paintings:
Supplies:
- Watercolor paper or heavy drawing paper
- Black crayon
- Shape templates (you can make your own with paper like I did, or use objects from around the house-like blocks and lid covers)
- Watercolor paint
- Paint brush
- Water
- Placemat (optional, but recommended)
Directions:
- Use a black crayon to trace a variety of geometric shape templates into your paper.
- Draw organic shapes in the interiors of your geometric shapes.
- Paint your shapes with watercolor paint. If you stick to a color scheme (like warm or cool), it can help create unity in your shape painting.
Needing more art activities to teach the element of shape? Check out this Shape Activity Pack. The 5 activities included in this packet each take 15-30 minutes to complete and are focused on the art element of shape.
You may also enjoy these free shape play dough task cards. You can find them on the blog here. This easy art activity is a low-prep way to introduce your child to shape while nurturing their fine motor skill development. Shape is not only an element of art, but a foundational mathematical concept!
Happy creating, friends!