Vincent van Gogh is known for bold color, expressive movement, and artwork that feels full of life. His paintings invite viewers to slow down, notice texture, and see the world with fresh eyes. Because his style focuses on motion and emotion rather than perfection, Van Gogh’s work is especially well suited for art lessons with children of all ages.
In these Van Gogh–inspired art lessons, students explore famous works like Starry Night, Wheat Fields with Cypresses, and Wheat Fields with Crows using approachable materials such as chalk pastels, oil pastels, and simple tools. The goal is not to copy the artwork exactly, but to experience the process of creating with freedom and confidence while connecting creativity to meaningful ideas from Scripture.
What Van Gogh work of art is your favorite? Be watching for more art lessons for kids to be added to our collection.
Life: 1853–1890
From: The Netherlands
Style: Expressive brushstrokes, bold color
About the Artist:
Vincent van Gogh used thick brushstrokes and swirling lines to show movement and feeling in his paintings. He often painted nature, night skies, and everyday scenes using bright colors and visible texture. His art helps us see that lines and color can express emotion, not just objects.
Known For:
Starry Night, Sunflowers, Night Café
When Kids Create, Encourage Them To:
Use bold strokes
Let lines move and swirl
Choose colors based on feeling and movement, not realism
Focus: movement, texture, emotion, God’s creation
Swirling Night Skies
Medium: finger paint or cotton swabs
Bible tie-in: “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1)
Visual focus: motion + light, not accuracy
Sun & Stars Dabbing Art
Medium: sponge or pom-poms
Tie-in: God made the greater and lesser lights (Genesis 1:16)
Tall Trees & Windy Lines
Medium: crayons or oil pastels
Tie-in: “Like a tree planted by streams of water” (Psalm 1:3)
Color Mood Painting (Van Gogh uses lots of moody blues)
Medium: tempera, limited color palette
Tie-in: God knows our feelings (Psalm 139)
Night Sky Texture Collage
Medium: colored tissue paper and glue
Tie-in: God sees us even in the dark (Psalm 139:11–12)
Focus: line, movement, contrast, perseverance
Directional Line Studies (movement)
Short strokes, long strokes, swirls
Tie-in: “In all your ways acknowledge Him” (Proverbs 3:6)
Nature Walk → Van Gogh Sketch
Observe trees, sky, fields
Tie-in: God’s fingerprints in creation (Romans 1:20)
Wheat Fields Like Van Gogh or Limited Color
3–4 colors only (try crazy colors for fun)
Tie-in: God provides daily bread (Matthew 6:11)
Emotion Through Color
Pick an image create multiple in different colors for different moods
Tie-in: God understands our hearts (Psalm 34:18)
Light vs Dark Contrast Art
Black paper + chalk/pastel
Tie-in: “The light shines in the darkness” (John 1:5)
Focus: struggle, perseverance, identity
Faith Through the Storm Painting
Swirling skies, rough strokes
Tie-in: Jesus calms the storm (Mark 4:39)
Broken Lines, Purposeful Design
Intentional imperfect strokes
Tie-in: God works through weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Cypress Trees as Symbols
Standing firm, rooted faith
Tie-in: “Be steadfast, immovable” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Art as Worship Reflection
Discuss how creativity glorifies God
Tie-in: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” Genesis 1:1
Be creative with your art! Van Gogh used a Cypress tree in his Starry Night painting, but you can change the tree to anything you’d like in your artwork. Because I have some grand boys that loved Batman, I made them a Batman Starry Night. I happen to love another painting by Van Gogh, Starry Night on the Rhone, so we incorporated Batman into it too. What will your Starry Night include?
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