Nature art is the ultimate combination of my two loves.
You know how crazy I am about art. My love affair with nature is even greater, if that’s possible. Yet, to me, they go hand in hand perfectly.
Nature is the original paintbox. All the colors we use can be found in the natural world and all paint pigments and inks were initially made from natural materials, such as plants and stones.
Nature also provides the light that informs how we see the world. And it is the primary source of artistic inspiration from time immemorial.
In fact, here’s a quote about art and nature that I love ::
“Art takes nature as its model.” – Aristotle
The other day, I shared 21 Outdoor Ideas for Kids. Today, in honor of Earth Day, I’m putting together a resource of NATURE art activities for kids of all ages (and, at 39, I still consider myself a kid sometimes).
Kids seem to get nature art intrinsically.
Nature art for kids often combines being outside with physical movement and creative activity.
It’s the perfect trio!
We like to go for nature walks (which can range from backyard explorations to hikes in the woods), observe the natural world closely, bring treasures back in pockets and backpacks, create seasonal nature tables, and make art with, or inspired, by nature.
Here are lots (and lots!) of interesting nature art activities for kids… Try one today. Put one on the list for next week. And save this list for summertime fun.
Nature Art for Kids
33 Nature Art Activities to Try
- Land art for kids
- Rock and nature mandalas (on Playful Learning)
- Scanned nature drawing prompts (on Picklebums)
- Use nature items as drawing prompts (on Playful Learning)
- Flower mandalas
- Flower suncatcher pictures (on Let’s Lasso the Moon)
- Art with rocks
- Chalk nature painting (on Meri Cherry)
- Leaf rubbings + watercolor resist painting
- Charcoal leaf rubbings (on Kids’ Craft Room)
- Clay nature prints
- Clay face sculptures (on Nurture Store)
- Sun prints (on Alisa Burke)
- Cloud painting (on Sew Liberated)
- Shadow tracing with nature items
- Keep a nature journal (on Rhythms of Play)
- Paint leaves (on Art Bar)
- Hammered leaf prints (on Not Just Cute)
- Playing with playdough in nature (on Mother Natured)
- Sandcasting in the sand box
- Nature weaving (on Craftiments)
- 11 Creative Ways to Use Autumn Leaves
- Flower fairies (on Childhood 101)
- Foliage faces (on Willowday)
- Observational drawing (on Project Based Homeschoolers)
- Leaf art with chalk pastels
- Nature’s paint brushes (on Messy Little Monsters)
- Craft materials you can replace with nature items (on Mother Natured)
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I’m an artist/ designer myself and I totally “get” the idea of loving nature more (or as much as) my art/ design as nature is the whole Universe from where I get my inspiration … And I mean including portraits I paint – we’re all a part of nature as far as I’m concerned. Yep, gardens and the outdoors are my inspiration and my love of life!
Yes! Absolutely, Brigitte!
And thank you so much for all the lovely inspiration! There’s some wonderful ideas here.
You’re so welcome! :)
Nice nature projects, I love the nature weaving idea, would look so amazing as a decorative feature for the wall in my girls room! Its so amazing how much fun can be incorporated into play time by adding nature! I also love to do some camera time where we go out and photograph things then we print out the best results and then make it into a little personal nature book :D
I writ about all our nature projects for kids at http://mom.nz/nature-projects-for-kids/ if you want to check it out :)
Fabulous crafts! You might be interested in checking out my blog at naturecraftsforkids.com for more ideas! Cheers, Kate
Oh goodness… What a lovely collection of nature art activities for children! Thank you for including our article on making and keeping a nature journal. :)
Thank you, Nell! I’m so glad you like the nature art ideas I’ve pulled together! :)
They are a work of art!