The most influential artists of all time: What children and young people should know
Art has always been an important part of human history, and certain artists have had a particularly strong influence on how we see and create art today. For children and young people interested in art, learning about some of these influential artists is both exciting and educational. Here is an overview of some of the most significant artists of all time and why they are important to know.
Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)
Why he's important: Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous artists in history, and he was also a scientist, engineer, and inventor. His most famous works are the Mona Lisa , one of the most famous portraits in the world, and The Last Supper , a fresco depicting Jesus and his disciples. Da Vinci was a master at using light and shadow to create depth and realism in his paintings, which has inspired countless artists after him.
What children and young people can learn: Leonardo da Vinci shows how art can be combined with science and innovation. By studying his work, children and young people can learn the importance of observation, accuracy and creativity.
Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
Why he's important: Vincent van Gogh is known for his expressive and colorful paintings like The Starry Night and Sunflowers . Although he didn't become famous during his lifetime, he is now one of the most beloved artists in the world. Van Gogh used color and brushstrokes in a way that captured his emotions and inner life, giving his work a unique intensity.
What children and young people can learn: Van Gogh teaches us that it is okay to express emotions through art and that art does not always have to be realistic to be powerful. His life story also shows that success can come later in life and that it is important to continue creating, even if you do not always receive immediate recognition.
Pablo Picasso (1881–1973)
Why he's important: Pablo Picasso was a pioneering artist who helped develop Cubism, an art style in which objects and people are broken down into geometric shapes and depicted from multiple perspectives simultaneously. Some of his most famous works include Guernica , which depicts the destruction of a Spanish city during the Civil War, and Les Demoiselles d'Avignon , which is an example of early Cubism.
What children and young people can learn: Picasso teaches us that art can be innovative and that it is possible to see the world in new ways. By studying his work, young artists can learn to break traditional rules and experiment with new techniques and styles.
Claude Monet (1840–1926)
Why he's important: Claude Monet was one of the founders of Impressionism, an art style that focuses on the play of light and color rather than precise detail. His paintings, such as Water Lilies and Impression, Sunrise , are known for their soft, almost dreamlike qualities and for capturing the beauty of the moment.
What children and young people can learn: Monet shows that art can be about capturing the feeling of a moment rather than depicting it precisely. His approach inspires young artists to experiment with color and light, and to see the world as a series of beautiful, fleeting moments.
Frida Kahlo (1907–1954)
Why she's important: Frida Kahlo is one of the most iconic artists in Mexican history, known for her self-portraits that explore themes of identity, pain, and femininity. Her art is deeply personal and symbolic, often influenced by Mexican culture and her own life experiences.
What children and young people can learn: Kahlo teaches us that art can be a powerful tool for self-expression and that it is possible to create something beautiful and meaningful from difficult experiences. Her courage and unique style inspire young artists to explore their own identities and emotions through their art.
Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944)
Why he's important: Wassily Kandinsky was a pioneer of abstract art, believing that colors and shapes could express emotions and ideas without having to represent anything concrete. His works, like Composition VII , are filled with vibrant colors and dynamic shapes that seem to move and dance across the canvas.
What children and young people can learn: Kandinsky shows that art does not have to depict reality to be meaningful. His work inspires young artists to think outside the box and use color and form to express emotions and ideas in an abstract way.
Summary
By learning about these influential artists, children and young people can gain a deeper understanding of the history and development of art. Each artist offers unique lessons about creativity, courage and innovation, and their work continues to inspire new generations of artists. By exploring their work, young people can find their own ways of expressing themselves through art and discover the joy of creating.
Read more here " An Introduction to Abstract Art: History and Development ", or explore our collection here: Artiley Canvas Prints