Van Gogh for Kids: Four Creative Invitations to Explore His Art

We have been exploring the life & work of Dutch Post-Impressionist artist #VincentvanGogh—reading stories about him, studying his paintings, & observing his bold, expressive use of color. Introducing children to diverse artistic styles and techniques from around the world nurtures appreciation, cultural awareness, & a deeper connection to the arts. 

1. Invitation to Paint Roses: In May 1890, just before leaving the asylum in Saint-Rémy, he created a remarkable series of 4 floral still lifes—featuring Irises &   Roses. The arrangements vary, with upright compositions of irises and horizontal displays of roses. Although time has softened their colors, faint traces of pink on the tabletop and petals reveal what was once a vivid scene: “a canvas of pink roses against a yellow-green background in a green vase.”

We set up a still-life invitation inspired by Roses, using Colorations Construction Paper, Paint, & Brushes. The children painted their own floral arrangements.

2. Invitation to Create Irises with Loose Parts + Playdough: Van Gogh described Irises as aiming for a “harmonious and soft” effect, placing violet blooms against what was originally a pink background. 

We offered flat marbles and playdough, encouraging them to recreate and interpret the artwork in a three-dimensional form. This open-ended invitation allowed children to explore shape, texture, & composition in an innovative and tactile way.

3. Invitation to Paint a 3-D Vase: Painted between 1888–1889, Van Gogh’s Sunflowers series is celebrated for its bold use of yellow, radiant light, & expressive texture. These paintings reimagined the traditional still-life genre & showcased Van Gogh’s mastery of color emotion.

Inspired by this iconic series, we invited children to think beyond the canvas by painting actual 3-D vases using a warm, sunlit palette. This activity encouraged them to experiment with color, form, & perspective. 

4. Invitation to Create Starry Night: Few paintings capture the imagination the way Starry Night does. Its swirling skies, luminous stars, & deep, expressive blues transform the night into a poetic, dreamlike landscape. More than a painting, Starry Night is a visual symphony—full of beauty. It’s no surprise that children are mesmerized by it.

After reading Katie & The Starry Night, we set out an invitation using a print of the painting, loose parts, & our light table. The  glow & open-ended materials invited children to explore, design, & craft their own imaginative renditions.