A shape collage in bright colors on black paper makes a good project for younger children. Based on their ability, have children cut the shapes or you pre-cut them. Give each a pile of shapes without directions on how to create the clown for the best results. Let their imagination and creativity come up with different ways to create it. A large circle, several medium and small circles, several medium and small half circles and some triangles of different sizes in bright colors will give them more than enough to make the clown so that their results are varied and creative.
Have the children use a black piece of construction paper and arrange their pieces in a clown face composition reminding them that everyone's clown may look different. Remind them to determine where all pieces will go before gluing. After gluing, add details such as hair, a neck and shirt collar to the clown picture using chalk.
Use a large circular balloon and paper mache to create a three-dimensional clown mask. Use balled up newspaper and masking tape to tape a nose shape to the balloon. Cover just the front half of the balloon in newspaper and paper mache going over the nose shape as well. After the paper mache dries on the balloon, paint your clown's face the skin tone you wish. Afterwards, use paint or permanent paint markers to give your clown facial detail. Pop the balloon to remove it. Glue yarn on his head for hair if desired. Attach an elastic band to the clown mask using an embroidery needle and thin sewing elastic if you wish to wear the mask.
Create clown art similar to Rouault's by starting with high-quality art paper. Rouault's clown has an appearance similar to stained glass. Recreate that appearance with oil pastels and thin acrylic paint. Draw the outline of the clown and his facial details in thick, black oil pastels. In the background, draw some thick, black lines of different types, curvy and straight to break up the solid background so that it too will look like stained glass. Mix acrylic paint in your choice of colors with a little water to thin it and paint the clown and background. The paint will not stick to the black lines. The contrast between the black lines and the sheen of the bright acrylic paint creates the appearance of stained glass.
Use a white paper lunch bag to create a clown puppet with children (see references below). Use oil pastels to color the clown's clothing on the bottom and back of the bag. On the front flap, the part of the bag that creates the bottom when the bag is open, create the clown's face. Use thick red, oil pastels to draw the clown's lips and cheeks. Glue large wiggle eyes onto the bag, then draw diamond shapes in several colors around the eyes for clown eye makeup. Glue a large, red pom pom on for the clown's nose. Use yarn pieces in the color of your choice to create clown hair. Open the bag and put your hand in so that the top of the clown's head appears. Glue yarn hair over the top and back of the bag for hair.