MoMA - Art Making with MoMA

Art Making with MoMA

Explore modern art through 20 hands-on projects inspired by MoMA masters

Drawing instruction books often treat art as solitary practice, study the technique, copy the example, move on. This activity book builds from MoMA educators' direct experience working with families in museum galleries, where learning happens through conversation, experimentation, and shared discovery. Twenty projects connect contemporary art concepts to hands-on making, each anchored by actual artworks from MoMA's collection. Kids explore Kandinsky's approach to color and sound, investigate Abbott's photographic techniques, experiment with Rivera's mural-making processes, or apply Eames design thinking to their own creations.

The structure encourages genuine artistic thinking rather than rote copying. Step-by-step instructions provide enough guidance to start, while open-ended questions prompt kids to make their own choices about materials, composition, and direction. Tips throughout address common challenges and suggest variations, reflecting fifteen years of watching how young artists actually work through problems. Full-color reproductions show the original artworks that inspired each project, helping kids understand that professional artists also experiment, revise, and develop personal approaches to materials.

Projects work equally well for individual exploration or group sessions, adaptable to whatever materials you have available. The book respects kids' capacity for sophisticated thinking about art while keeping activities genuinely fun and accessible. Parents and educators gain practical tools for facilitating meaningful art experiences that go beyond craft projects toward actual artistic practice.

Books and Media

Books and Media Purchase Guide

Books and Media

Activity Books - Interactive art books and workbooks for learning techniques and developing skills.

Coloring Books - Adult and children's coloring books for relaxation and creative expression.

Craft and Hobby Books - Instructional books covering various crafting techniques and projects.

Drawing Books - Technique books and tutorials for improving drawing skills and learning new methods.

Painting Books - Comprehensive guides to painting techniques, color theory, and artistic development.

You May Also Like