Introduce your little one to the joy of art with Kandinsky-inspired pumpkin art! This colorful and engaging project combines the festive spirit of pumpkins with the artistic elegance of concentric circles, perfect for a preschool pumpkin activity.
What is Kandinsky-inspired pumpkin art?
The first time I made Kandinsky-inspired art with my preschoolers was in 2012 and everyone who saw our concentric circles on display was jaw-dropped.
There is something mesmerizing about circles inside of circles with splashes of color – plus circles and colors are perfect for preschoolers.
I was looking for a way to take concentric circles to the next level, and one Fall I experimented with pumpkin shapes.
LET ME TELL YOU: It. Was. FABULOUS.
We carve out time every Fall to make these, and they still “squash” my expectations!
Why Kansinky-inspired pumpkin art is perfect for kids
This project isn’t just about creating beautiful art; it’s also a great way to introduce kids to the world of artist Wassily Kandinsky in a playful, hands-on way.
It’s also a wonderful way to celebrate the season with a preschool pumpkin art project that’s both educational and festive.
And who doesn’t love a good resist technique, where the oil pastels keep the vibrant watercolors from mixing?
Materials
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- White paper or watercolor paper
- Oil pastels or crayons
- Watercolors
- Paintbrushes
- Cup of water
Directions
- Start by using an oil pastel or crayon to draw a large pumpkin outline on the paper.
- Choose a different color and draw a slightly smaller pumpkin shape inside the first one.
- Continue drawing smaller and smaller pumpkins inside each other, changing colors with each outline.
- Once the drawing is complete, use colorful watercolors to fill in the spaces between the lines.
- Let the artwork dry completely before displaying your colorful Kandinsky-inspired pumpkin masterpiece!
Optional: To make it Halloween-y, invite your child to paint the background black to make the colors pop against a dark night sky.
Are oil pastels and crayons the same?
Oil pastels and crayons may seem similar, but they have some key differences that can really affect your artwork.
Oil pastels are much more opaque and creamy, making them ideal for the resist technique used in this project.
Crayons, on the other hand, tend to be less vibrant and can sometimes struggle to resist watercolor paint as effectively.
Both will work great for this project, but if you find your artists really love the watercolor and crayon technique, it’s worth investing in oil pastels (they’re usually around $7 and they last forever).
10 fun facts about Wassily Kandinsky for kids
This project is the perfect opportunity for introducing preschoolers to the life of the famous artist.
- Kandinsky loved colors: He believed that colors could show emotions, just like music does.
- He started as a lawyer: Before becoming an artist, Kandinsky studied law and economics!
- Kandinsky loved music: He often listened to music while painting, and he thought his paintings were like visual music.
- Abstract art pioneer: Kandinsky is known as one of the first artists to paint abstract art, which means his paintings didn’t look like real things but were full of shapes and colors.
- Inspired by nature: Even though his art was abstract, Kandinsky was often inspired by things he saw in nature.
- Taught art: Kandinsky also became an art teacher and helped others learn how to express themselves through art.
- He saw colors when he heard sounds: Kandinsky had a special condition called synesthesia, where he could see colors when he listened to music.
- Loved circles: Circles were one of Kandinsky’s favorite shapes to use in his art, which is why they’re a big part of this pumpkin project!
- Kandinsky liked to experiment: He loved trying new techniques and mixing colors in unusual ways to see what he could create.
- He studied art at age 30: Kandinsky didn’t start learning art until he was 30 years old, showing it’s never too late to follow your dreams!
What to do when you’re done with your Kandinsky-inspired pumpkin art
When your little one is finished with their Kandinsky-inspired pumpkin art, don’t forget to show it off!
Hang it on the fridge, frame it, or even use it as part of your Halloween decorations.
Keep the pumpkin fun going with these tried-and-true preschool activities:
- Easy, No-Cook Pumpkin Spice Play Dough
- Fall Writing Activity + FREE Printable Pumpkin Cards
- Drip Paint Pumpkins
- Pumpkin Swirl Art
Frequently Asked Questions
They do not! The oil/wax in the crayons resist the water, making your drawings pop through the paint.
Absolutely! You can use this concentric circles technique with any shape—try apples, leaves, or even abstract shapes!
This project is perfect for preschoolers, but older kids can enjoy it too!
My class of K-2 students made this craft. It was easy and the kids really enjoyed it.
I am so happy to hear this! Thank you for sharing!
I am so happy to hear this! THANK YOU for sharing! xo, K