Homeschool Art Activities Inspired by Famous Artists

Looking for homeschool art activities that are engaging, educational and easy to implement? Drawing inspiration from famous artists is a powerful way to introduce children to art history while developing practical drawing and painting skills.

At Artventure, we’ve seen how artist-inspired lessons help children build confidence, curiosity and creative thinking — especially when learning is guided with clear, step-by-step structure.

This guide shares ideas for using famous artists as inspiration in homeschool art lessons, while supporting meaningful art learning at home.

Why learn art through famous artists?

Studying well-known artists helps children:

• explore different styles and techniques

• observe how artists use colour, line, shape and texture

• understand that there is no single “right way” to make art

• build visual literacy and creative confidence

When children learn how artists work — not just what they made — art becomes less intimidating and more accessible.

This approach works particularly well when paired with structured art instruction, rather than open-ended activities alone.

👉 If you’re interested in why structure matters so much in art learning, read:
Why Structured Art Lessons Matter in Today’s Classrooms
https://www.artventure.com.au/blog/structured-art-lessons

Using artist inspiration in homeschool art

You don’t need formal art training to explore artist-inspired activities at home. Start by choosing one artist at a time and focusing on a single key idea.

Some examples:

🎨 Vincent van Gogh

Explore:

• bold brushstrokes

• expressive colour

• movement in landscapes

Try painting a night sky, a garden or a favourite place using thick strokes and vibrant colours.

🎨 Pablo Picasso

Explore:

• simplified shapes

• facial features from different angles

• playful abstraction

Encourage children to create portraits using geometric shapes and unexpected colour choices.

🎨 Georgia O’Keeffe

Explore:

• close-up observation

• organic shapes

• colour blending

Children can draw or paint flowers or natural objects by zooming in on small details.

These activities aren’t about copying famous artworks — they’re about learning techniques and ideas children can apply in their own way.

Making artist studies practical at home

For homeschool families, consistency matters more than complexity. Art learning works best when children:

• know what to expect

• can follow manageable steps

• feel successful at each stage

That’s why ready-to-use lesson ideas are so helpful.

If you’re looking for practical starting points, you may find this useful:
👉 Free Art Lesson Plans for Teachers and Homeschoolers
https://www.artventure.com.au/blog/free-art-lesson-plans-for-teachers-and-homeschoolers

These lessons provide clear structure while still allowing creative freedom.

How artist-inspired art supports broader learning

Art activities inspired by famous artists support more than creativity alone. Children also practise:

• observation and attention to detail

• planning and sequencing

• persistence and problem solving

• visual communication

These skills transfer naturally into literacy, inquiry learning and critical thinking.

At Artventure, lessons are designed to align with curriculum expectations while remaining flexible for home learning.

👉 Learn more here:
Our Connections to the Curriculum
https://www.artventure.com.au/blog/our-connections-to-the-curriculum

Creating an environment that supports art learning

Artist-inspired lessons work best when children have:

• accessible materials

• a defined work space

• time to focus without pressure

If you’re setting up or refining your home art area, this may help:
👉 How to Create an Inspiring Art Space at Home for Your Kids
https://www.artventure.com.au/blog/how-to-create-an-inspiring-art-space-at-home-for-your-kids

Bringing Artventure into your homeschool routine

Artventure provides online, step-by-step art lessons that work beautifully in homeschool settings. Lessons are short, structured and designed to help children:

• build skills progressively

• gain confidence in drawing and painting

• explore a wide range of styles and techniques

If you discovered Artventure through the Adelaide Fringe School Guide, this blog is a great place to explore how our lessons support meaningful art learning at home.

👉 Explore Artventure for Education
https://www.artventure.com.au/education 

👉 Start a free trial
https://www.artventure.com.au/store 

Final thoughts

Homeschool art activities inspired by famous artists offer children a rich, engaging way to learn — especially when paired with thoughtful structure and clear guidance.

By focusing on techniques, observation and creative process (rather than perfect results), children develop confidence that grows over time — in art and beyond.