Discovering the works of famous painters in history is an important part of a child’s creative development. By looking back at the techniques, context, styles and beauty of old paintings, children can enhance their art literacy skills. Read along with our kid-friendly introduction to famous painters and follow the links to watch lessons from Golden Road Arts.
Children’s Guide to Great Painters in History
An unknown number of painters have contributed to the evolution of all types of art over the centuries. Here are some of the most famous names in painting from around the world.
Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian Renaissance artist best known for painting the “Mona Lisa.” His innovative work is extensive and goes beyond painting to involve sculpting, engineering, science and architecture.
Rembrandt
Rembrandt van Rijn is a painter from the Dutch Golden Age, renowned for his realistic portraits and historical scenes. He skillfully used light and shadow to bring depth and emotion to his paintings.
Katsushika Hokusai
Katsushika Hokusai was a Japanese ukiyo-e printmaker and painter. While best known for his print, “The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” he was a prolific artist who produced thousands of works.
Claude Monet
Claude Monet was a French painter working in the Impressionist style. His work captured the natural world using light, color and loose brushstrokes, most notably in his “Water Lilies” series of oil paintings.
Mary Cassatt
Another notable Impressionist is the American painter and printmaker Mary Cassatt. Working mainly in France, Cassatt depicted the relationship between mothers and children using a soft color palette and loose brushstrokes.
Vincent van Gogh
The celebrated Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh is remembered for his expressive approach to painting. Using striking, deep blues in works like “Starry Night,” he was a pivotal figure in the Post-Impressionist movement.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Toulouse-Lautrec was a French Post-Impressionist painter who captured the lively scenes of Parisian nightlife. His paintings are characterized by bright colors and a sense of movement that depicts the energy of the city.
Wassily Kandinsky
Rather than representing real-world objects, the paintings of Wassily Kandinsky focus on forms, colors and lines. This Russian artist is widely recognized as a pioneer in abstract art.
Pablo Picasso
Spanish painter Pablo Picasso stands as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Picasso co-founded the Cubist movement, and is known for his varied styles and innovations.
Romare Bearden
The American painter Romare Bearden created rich textures using oil, acrylic and watercolor paint. Bearden integrated photos, magazine cutouts and posters with his painting in a unique collage style.
Watch Lessons About Famous Painters and Art Styles
Golden Road Arts develops engaging free art lessons for elementary and middle school kids. Browse our collection of videos and tutorials on the lives and works of great painters in history. Watch free art lessons here.
