The Impressionists often painted en plein air, or in the open air. This French term applies to works that are created outdoors and feature natural subjects such as a landscape. Set up an easel at the child's level and provide a long handled paint brush and paper or canvas. Use a palette with a variety of paint colors that reflect that conditions. For example, if the child will be painting a yard with a small pond use greens, blues and other similar colors. Impressionist artists used the natural light and atmospheric (weather) conditions in their paintings. Encourage the child to do the same. Ask questions such as, "Where is the sun at this time of day?" or, "What color is the sky during this season?" to start the creative process. After the child has spent at least five minutes observing the environment, ask him or her to begin painting using short broken brush strokes similar to those found in Impressionist art works.
The "Waterlilies" series of paintings are some of Claude Monet's most recognizable works. Children who are lucky enough to live close by a museum that houses one of these paintings may want to take an art-viewing trip before beginning this activity. If this is not possible, view a reproduction in an art book or online. Pay attention to the way in which Monet cropped this image of his pond in Giverny, the light reflecting off of the water, the colors used and the brush strokes. Spread a selection of paint onto a palette, and ask the child to recreate this masterpiece on a large piece of white paper or canvas. Encourage the use of noticeable brushstrokes the layering of colors next to each other (instead of blending them together). Although the original "Waterlilies" paintings are large in size, this kids art project can be made much smaller in scale. For added fun try several paintings; one for each of Monet's works.
Although the Impressionist largely used paints as a medium, young children may benefit from using an alternate material such as modeling clay. Start with a thick, smooth surface such as cardboard or poster board cut to no larger than 5 X 7 inches. Ask the child to break modeling clay sticks or tubes into very small pieces that are about 1 inch in length. Instead of using a paint brush, the child will use his or her finger to spread the clay onto the cardboard surface to mimic brush strokes. Each piece of clay can be spread and pressed into the surface in thin layers next to each other. For example, create a sunny field by spreading small pieces of light and dark colored green clay over the bottom half of the cardboard. Add a few layers of yellow or white on top of the green to make areas of light (highlights) and layers of blue or purple to make shadows. Continue until the entire surface is covered.