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It’s National Pop Art Day on 28th January, and we’ve got just the thing to celebrate – colorful and peppy pop art projects for kids to try!

I’ve noticed that when many people talk about beautiful art, they’re referring to Renaissance art, like that of Michelangelo or Leonardo da Vinci. The realism, muted colors and large sizes seem to be indicators for what can be called ‘real art’. 

However, the world of art is much, much more than that – and we love that it has space for both muted tones and bright colors, for both realism and surrealism – all at the same time!

Take pop art, for instance – not many people would consider a loud, chaotic arrangement of colors and shapes as art, but it certainly is!

What is Pop Art?

Pop Art is an art movement that began in the 1950s in Britain and soon gained popularity in the United States. It was considered a rebellion against traditional forms of art, so much so that it was even called ‘anti-art‘ by critics.

One of Pop Art’s most identifying features is the choice of colors, generally featuring bold, saturated shades of primary colors. But Pop Art’s rebellion was also seen in the subject matter – rather than focusing on palaces or landscapes, Pop Art features everyday objects like cans of beans or comic book characters. 

British artist Richard Hamilton is considered the father of Pop Art, and he believed that art shouldn’t be restricted to ‘fine living’, but should rather be a way of life, and accessible to everyone. Here are some more famous artists in the Pop Art scene.

Famous Masters of Pop Art

• Andy Warhol, USA (1928-1987)
• Jasper Johns, USA (1930-)
• Keith Haring, USA (1958-1990)
• Roy Lichtenstein, USA (1923-1997)
• Takashi Murakami, Japan (1962-)
• Wayne Thiebaud, USA (1920-2021)
• Yayoi Kusama, Japan (1929-)

Although Pop Art is believed to have peaked in the sixties, there seems to be a renewed interest in it today, with famous Pop Art masterpieces making their way on clothing, posters and more! What’s more, it also has its own day now – National Pop Art Day on 28th January. We’re going to make the most of it, with some bright and colorful pop art projects for kids!

15 Peppy Pop Art Projects for Kids

1. Easy Pop Art Portraits

The Kitchen Table Classroom has the best way to start this list of pop art projects for kids – creating pop art portraits of yourself! These are sure to be a hit with kids, and they’ll enjoy coloring themselves in different ways!

2. Pop Art Landscape Tutorial

Traditional landscapes try to capture the natural scene as it is, with lots of realistic features. Pop art landscapes are a whole different story, and Art Projects for Kids shows us how to make some of our own!

3. Hot Chocolate Pop Art

If you’re thinking of turning your favorite treats into pop art projects for kids, check out this project from Brainy Beginnings Network! Here, you can create multiple versions of a hot chocolate, complete with foam on the top!

4. Pow! Bang! Zap! Pop Art Project

5. Pop Art Handprint Art for Kids 

Handprint crafts are always a hit with the little ones, especially when you integrate them into pop art projects for kids! Easy Peasy and Fun shows us an easy project that kids can do to learn the basics of pop art.

6. Big Pop Art Apple

If you’d like to go big or have a bunch of friends who are willing to help, check out this collaborative pop art project from Art Campla. It includes multiple steps, which makes it perfect for a group to work on at a time and have fun while at it!

7. DIY Stamp Pop Art

Arty Crafty Kids shows us how to make our own stamps and then use them to create colorful pop art projects for kids! You can make pretty much any shape you like – that’s the beauty of pop art, there are no rules!

8. Painted Heart Pop Art

Woo Jr. brings us a pop art project inspired by the work of Jim Dine, an American pop artist whose work was featured in one of America’s first-ever Pop Art exhibitions. If you’re looking for Valentine-themed pop art projects for kids, this is it!

9. Pop Art Pumpkin Pie Painting

Pumpkins are always associated with warmth, comfort and Fall, but this project from Art with Jenny K. turns them into edgy muses! We love the combination of colors and patterns, and kids will enjoy them too.

10. Alphabet Pop Art

If you’re looking for pop art projects for kids who are learning their alphabet, check out this one from Teach Beside Me. It’s just another example of how even the most ordinary things can be turned into art!

11. Pop Art Apples

We absolutely love this pop art project from Scholtenart for the various possibilities it provides. Kids can draw the different stages of eating an apple, ending with an emotion in the form of art! How fun!

12. Seahorse Pop Art Project

When you’re making realistic art, you are restricted by the colors of the real world, but when it comes to pop art, you are free from all kinds of restraints! Maped Helix makes the most of this with an uber-colorful seahorse art project!

13. Pop Art Movement Project

One of the interesting things about pop art projects is that they can be used to show movement in various forms. A great example of this is the work of Keith Haring. Leah Newton Art shows us how kids can use their own images to create pop art that jumps, dances or hops!

14. Pop Art Coloring Pages

If you want pop art projects for kids that are low effort, grab these printable coloring pages from Lobo Pop Art. They feature some of the most famous characters from popular culture, which is sure to interest everyone!

15. Selfie Modern Pop Art DIY

We end this list just as we began it – with a selfie pop art project! This one is from Chica Circle and is a great way to decorate a teen or preteen’s room with some bright colors.

We hope you’ve enjoyed these pop art projects for kids – they sure are eye-catching! You can frame these and put them up on the wall if you’re looking for ways to brighten up your space. These also encourage kids to think outside the box when it comes to art, and help them explore new ways to create. So hand them some supplies and let them loose!

If you’d like to check out more art-related activities, have a look at these:

• 15 Amazing Artist Printables for Kids
• 10 Famous Artist Coloring Worksheets
• Famous Word Search Puzzle Printable
• Free Printable Famous Artist Puzzle
• 20 Picture Books to Inspire Young Artists