Spring is not only the perfect time to explore butterflies, but it is also the perfect time to make a polka dot butterfly painting inspired by famous artist, Yayoi Kusama. All you need is our printable butterfly template below, and some paint and a few cotton swabs to create your own colorful butterfly artwork!
EASY BUTTERFLY PAINTING FOR KIDS
WHO IS YAYOI KUSAMA?
Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese artist who is talented in SO many areas of art! She works in sculpture, painting, performance, video, fashion, poetry, and writing!
Born in 1929 in rural Japan, Kusama had a difficult childhood and says that making art has saved her life. Learn from Kusama how art can help people overcome adversity.
Kusama is known in the art world as the “Princess of Polka Dots”. Her polka dot themed art began when she was young, when Kusama would see dots in her dreams.
Kusama lived in New York City in the late 50’s and 60’s, during the Pop Art movement. But she became increasingly frustrated with male artists receiving fame for her ideas. In the 1970’s she moved back to Japan.
It is only recently that her work has received recognition through the rise of social media. Later in life, Kusama is now one of the best selling female artists of all time.
This fun art activity below is inspired by Yayoi Kusama’s 1985 Butterfly painting that uses dense patterns of colorful polka dots.
Also check out Kusama Tulip Painting For Kids and painted pumpkin!
WHY STUDY FAMOUS ARTISTS?
Studying the artwork of the masters not only influences your artistic style but even improves your skills and decisions when creating your own original work.
It is great for kids to be exposed to different styles of art, experiment with different mediums, and techniques through our famous artist art projects.
Kids may even find an artist or artists whose work they really like and will inspire them to do more of their own art work.
Why is learning about art from the past important?
- Kids who are exposed to art have an appreciation for beauty!
- Kids who study art history feel a connection to the past!
- Art discussions develop critical thinking skills!
- Kids who study art learn about diversity at a young age!
- Art history can inspire curiosity!
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE PRINTABLE ART PROJECT!
BUTTERFLY PAINTING
Do you know butterflies with polka dots are found in nature? Why do butterflies often have dots or spots on them? The markings actually encourage an attacker to aim for parts of the butterfly’s body that aren’t as important for its survival, like the edges of the wings.
SUPPLIES:
- Butterfly template
- Art paper
- Acrylic paint
- Coarse salt
- Toothpicks
- Cotton Swabs
- Scissors
- Glue stick
INSTRUCTIONS:
STEP 1: Print the butterfly template.
STEP 2: Using acrylic paint and water, paint the background art paper and then sprinkle salt on your wet paint. Leave to dry.
Adding salt is a fun and easy way to give the background lots of texture! Here’s another way you can do salt painting!
STEP 3: Use a paintbrush, toothpicks and cotton swabs to paint the sections of your butterfly printable with lots of polka dots.
Make sure to check out more painting ideas for kids!
How many dots can you fit on your butterfly?
Use a different colored paint to add polka dots to sections you have already painted.
STEP 4: Cut out your butterfly when it is dry.
STEP 5: Wipe the excess salt from the background paper and then glue your butterfly to the background.
MORE FUN SPRING ART ACTIVITIES
Add this butterfly painting activity to your spring lesson plans! Here’s a few more fun ideas…
POLKA DOT BUTTERFLY PAINTING FOR KIDS
Click on the image below or on the link for more famous artists for kids.
