My 7 year old daughter Emma selected Joan Miro for July’s Artist In Focus. We studied and took inspiration from his playful art style which has some similarities to Picasso’s. They were both known to be the best Cubist and Surrealist artists from the early years after all and were also good friends.
Joan Miro was not only a painter, he was also a sculptor and ceramicist born in Barcelona, Spain. It’s understandable why his work appeals to children like mine. There is a very child-like and carefree quality about them that was, historically, revolutionary during the 1930s. He re-defined the representation of beauty in art during the time by creating unconventional imagery and using unconventional methods.
In fact, looking at his work reminds me of my own childhood dreams — dreams of candies, toys and playgrounds! He portrays nature in a very odd and whimsical way, creating interesting characters of his own. It’s a delight looking through his work!
MEET THE ARTIST
Getting to know about Joan Miro was already a lot of fun in itself. Here are some videos we found online that introduced us to his work beginning with several animated shorts inspired by specific Miro pieces:
PROJECT 1: Miro in Watercolor and Doodles
I’m so happy to have come across this kids art tutorial on YouTube that shows how to make art just like Miro! It’s easy to follow and fun for the kids.
Materials: Masking tape / washi tape, watercolor paper / sketchbook, watercolor set, paint brush, black permanent marker, crayons / coloured pencils
The girls and I absolutely loved it! I actually also joined and made my own piece. This activity allowed us to imagine and create our very own Miro characters.
PROJECT 2: Pen Caddy Miro Style
This second activity was done in partnership with kids class provider, Skill Skout. I was so inspired by the watercolor paintings the girls made that I decided to create an upcycling project in the same theme.
In this one, you get to create a fun and interactive pen caddy (or keeper) using TP cardboard rolls and cardboard you probably have just lying around the house — perfect thing to make for this new school year as you spruce up your homeschool station at home!
Materials: Cardboard, cardboard TP roll (at least 2), paint set, black permanent marker, crayons, glue, scissors
We put this DIY video together to introduce my upcoming art classes with Skill Skout which will be starting on August 12th! If you (parents and guardians out there!) liked the kids art activities you just saw and are interested in more, I invite you to sign up your kids for my MAKE ART series. You may register here: tiny.cc/nicacosioworkshops
The MAKE ART series is designed for kids ages 7 and up but are open to younger ones as well as long as an adult can accompany them during the class. All sessions will be done via Zoom.
I hope you can join us! We’ve had lots of fun during these Skill Skout classes (read about them here) and are looking forward to more.
Check out the previous months’ artists in focus:
JUNE: Jacob Lawrence
MAY: Betye Saar PART 1 | Betye Saar PART 2
MARCH: David Hockney PART 1 | David Hockney PART 2
FEBRUARY: Yayoi Kusama PART 1 | Yayoi Kusama PART 2
JANUARY: Pablo Picasso
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