Dutch Painter Piet Mondrian's bold graphic style makes him a great modern artist for kids to study since they can easily replicate his abstract style in a simple art project like we did with this easy faux stained glass window.
I love the way our Mondrian window art turned out and the activity kept the kids busy indoors after school on a rainy afternoon.
Mondrian Window Art Project
Before beginning this project, you and your kids may want to examine some of Mondrian's work. The Tate Gallery has some good examples of his paintings.
Tip: If you don't want to paint directly on the glass, use our instructions for creating faux stained glass with cellophane
What you need:
- Washable tempera paint in red, blue, yellow, black and white (white is optional)
- Paint brushes and trays or cups for the paint. We reused take out containers.
- Painters tape (Keep that painters tape handy so you can use it for the magic and amazing rectangle - a sibling activity!)
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1. Use the painters tape to create the Mondrian style grid. It doesn't matter how many rectangles or squares you create but include a variety of sizes for visual interest.
Step 2. Gather your paint and brushes. We put black, yellow, red and blue in shallow dishes. We set aside the black paint for later.
Mondrian's Neo-Plastic paintings used white, black and the three primary colors yellow, blue and red. We decided that instead of using white paint, we would instead allow the transparency of the glass to play a role in the composition.
Step 3. Decide which rectangles will be painted with which colors.
In order to avoid confusion, we designated which areas would get which colors by dabbing a colored dot in the middle of each rectangle.
There's something a bit subversive about being allowed to paint directly on the windows, so of course the kids got really into it. They loved filling in the shapes with paint.
Step 4. Peel off the tape. I recommend peeling the tape off before the paint completely dries. It's not essential, but sometimes the tape pulls of the paint around its edges after it has dried and hardened, and you want clean edges, if possible.
Step 5. Paint the black borders. After you peel off the tape you want to paint in the black lines. Touch-up the other colors as necessary.
Step 6. Admire your handiwork!
MORE: Love this idea? See 14 more Window Art activities!
We all loved how it turned out, despite the inconsistency of paint application!
When you grow tired of your bespoke Mondrian art window, the paint will washes off quite easily with soapy water. I highly recommend engaging your kids in the task of window washing, a great practical life activity!
Andrea says
I love this idea - so pretty and fun!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks, Andrea!
Jeanette Nyberg says
Aw, look at you with bars on your windows, you urbanite! I absolutely adore this project- it's amazing.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Yes, the bars. It does look a bit like a jail at times. But better that, than a fall! I can't remember the age at which the kids need to be in order to legally remove them.
Crystal ~ Fine Art Mom says
This looks like fun!! I love Mondrian.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thank you! The boys really liked it. They were much more interested in the painting than they were in learning about the artist, though! Maybe one day...
Johanna says
Great idea and easy to do as opposed to e.g.: paining Dalí on your window 😉
Erica MomandKiddo says
Yes, very true!
Nicole L says
Oh wow that's fun! As an art grad I love sneaking in art lessons whenever I can - this would be perfect. I want some Lichtenstein on my windows! 🙂
Tonia says
We've done a few Piet Mondrian projects. I LOVE the window idea - we'll definitely be trying that some free afternoon!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks Tonia. Have fun with it!
PragmaticMom says
Thanks so much for including me Erica!!!
Natalie says
I thought on FB that this is what you are going to do 🙂 Mondrian abstract looks great on your window!
Theresa (Capri + 3) says
I love the process and the finished window. It looks like so much fun. Thanks for sharing on Artsy Play Wednesday.
Clarissa Hooper says
LOVE this simple art project! Kids would adore the chance to paint on the window too!
Erica MomandKiddo says
They love it because it seems like they are getting to do something they are not supposed to do!
Stephanie Whittle says
So pretty!Thanks for sharing at After School!
Jill says
I absolutely love this idea!
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Anna@The Measured Mom says
These turned out so great! I featured them as part of my round up today.