We’re back for another free art lesson from Golden Road Arts, demonstrating why kids need art and how to inspire creativity. Previously, we highlighted the 10 art supplies every young artist needs. And today, we have some of our favorite art challenges and prompts that encourage children to explore their imagination and express themselves through art.
Top Art Challenges for Kids
Art challenges give kids the chance to try new styles, techniques and materials within a theme. These projects give children direction while letting them maintain their creative spirit.
Draw Blindfolded
Blindfold drawing is a fun exercise where the process of creating art is more important than the outcome. Drawing without seeing the paper encourages kids to heighten their concentration, tap into their imagination and develop fine motor control.
Limited Art Supplies
Limiting the amount of accessible art supplies is a great way to stimulate problem-solving skills and creative thinking. For example, you could limit the materials to one color of paint, a pencil and some paper, setting a theme or letting the children create their own.
Pair Colors With Emotions
Expressing emotions is one of the many benefits of art therapy for children. To encourage this process, get children to think about how colors can represent feelings. They can then use the associated colors to express their current state of mind in an abstract art style.
Paint a Self-Portrait
Painting a self-portrait with the help of a mirror can improve observational skills. Children of all ages can try self-portraits, experimenting with simple or abstract impressions and progressing to more detailed drawings as their skills develop.
Create a Nature-Themed Collage
Spending time outdoors is one of the best ways to inspire creativity. Children can collect materials like leaves, petals and twigs, then arrange them to create a pleasing design.
Fun Art Prompts to Promote Creativity in Children
Simple art prompts are an excellent way to inspire creativity in kids. Using a theme or idea (such as the following) will give children a starting point that will quickly spark their imagination.
- Draw your dream house.
- Design a fairytale castle.
- Illustrate your favorite food.
- Paint a picture inspired by your favorite song.
- Design a treehouse for you and your friends.
- Illustrate life on another planet.
- Draw a new outfit for a cartoon character.
- Illustrate your perfect day.
- Draw yourself as a superhero.
Art prompts are an outstanding addition to many of our free art lessons. After learning about an art movement or creative technique, children can apply this to a simple prompt, allowing them to practice new skills and explore new ideas.
Browse Art Challenges and Prompts for Children
At Golden Road Arts we provide a comprehensive series of free art lessons for elementary and middle school children. View our engaging art challenges and prompts to encourage kids to get creative. You can also fund free art for kids with a donation.
