Every artist’s creative journey starts by mastering the fundamentals. Even for the most famous artists, the benefits of creating art as children can be seen in their later works. Young children are often inspired by stories of these iconic figures, and it’s an opportunity that parents and teachers can use to spark an early passion for creativity and self-expression. If you’re teaching elementary or middle school kids about art, here are five legendary examples to use.
5 Well-Known Artists Who Started Creating Art at a Young Age
While it might not be surprising that many artists begin their creative journey at a young age, each person’s earliest steps offer unique insight into their life and craft. These personal stories also demonstrate how encouraging creativity in the early years builds a foundation for success.
1. Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso was a co-founder of the Cubist movement and is regarded as one of the most important artists of the 20th century. By age 7, the Spanish painter and sculptor had already created his first paintings, with his first exhibition reportedly taking place at age 13.
2. Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo’s work is known for its symbolism, magic realism, color, composition and self-portraiture. Many of these qualities were developed during her teenage years when Kahlo started painting while recovering from a bus accident. Parents and teachers can use Kahlo as an inspiration when teaching young kids to paint.
3. Claude Monet
Claude Monet demonstrated a gift for sketching caricatures from a young age. During his teenage years, he began painting in the en plein air style (painting outdoors) in the countryside of Normandy. He would perfect this style in future years as a founder of the Impressionist movement.
4. Jean-Michel Basquiat
Jean-Michel Basquiat was an American Neo-Expressionist artist who became one of the defining painters of the 1980s. His creative journey started with sketches on paper and walls as a young child, before gaining recognition for his graffiti art as a teenager. For parents looking to introduce their kids to the creative arts, the story of Basquiat’s mother taking him to local galleries from age 4 shows how early exposure to art can ignite a lifelong passion.
5. Georgia O’Keeffe
Georgia O’Keeffe knew from the age of 10 that she wanted to be an artist and spent her teens studying drawing and painting. Over a career spanning seven decades, she became recognized as a pioneer of the American modernist movement. Teachers can support similarly ambitious students by integrating drawing and painting exercises into lessons to promote art literacy in the classroom.
Support Children’s Development With Free Art Lessons
Golden Road Arts helps elementary and middle school children develop their creative skills with accessible art lessons. We create free tutorials and host in-person events in Oregon to help kids learn age-appropriate artistic techniques. Browse free art lessons today.
