Today we’re going to combine a classic Valentine’s craft with two unique painting techniques as we create a fun Heart Art Project for Kids inspired by a contemporary artist. Fine motor skills will be on full display as little fingers paint, cut, glue, and even drive around a bit! Incorporating non-traditional materials/tools such as paper towels and toy cars into the art-making process will keep children highly engaged and excited to create! Our bright and bold hearts will be adorned with faces that promote joy and love and are just perfect for Valentine’s Day!
GET A FULL WEEK OF VALENTINE THEME ACTIVITIES WITH OUR VALENTINE THEME PRESCHOOL LESSON PLANS
About Chris Uphues
Chris Uphues is an American artist living and working in New York City. He has been described as a painter, designer, and street artist. His colorful artwork is inspired by pop culture. He is most famous for his bright and bold heart paintings adorned with happy and often smiling faces. His work can be found on buildings, t-shirts, wood, and paper. When I look at his work, I can’t help but smile as it vibrates happiness! For more information, visit chrisuphues.com.
Art From the Heart
Handmade valentines are some of my favorite art projects to make with young learners. It amplifies the important act of creating and gifting art to someone else. It can help children build confidence, demonstrate kindness, and build community. Children can experience how they can have a powerful and positive impact on others.
Watercolors
I love to use watercolor paints with my youngest artists. Oftentimes though, puddles of water overpower the artwork, and the bright and bold colors get washed away. I recommend practicing the watercolor painting process on a paper towel before using costly watercolor paper. As a result, the paper towel will absorb any excess water. The texture will allow the colors to blend and bleed together beautifully and create a tie-dye look.
Materials for Heart Art Project for Kids
- Construction Paper
- Paper Towels
- Watercolors
- Brush
- Scissors
- White Glue
- Crayola Tempera Paint
- Sharpie
- Toy Cars
Step-by-Step Directions to make Uphues Inspired Heart Art
Drive Around!
Dip the wheels of a toy car into paint and drive all over a piece of construction paper. As a result, lines of action and movement will be created. This will add excitement and energy to your piece of art. Let it dry.
Paint Away!
Rip a piece of paper towel and tape it to a piece of scrap paper. The paper will keep the table clean as some paint and water will bleed through the paper towel. Draw a heart on the paper towel and paint with watercolors. I often remind children to go “round and round” with the brush in the paint cakes to capture the bold pigment. Let the paint dry and remove the work from the scrap paper.
Teacher Tip: I recommend name-brand paper towels such as Bounty rather than a bargain brand as they are more absorbent and durable.
Cut and Glue!
Cut out the heart and glue it to the background paper you painted earlier.
Teacher Tip: I recommend using white glue as a glue stick may rip the paper towel.
Make a Face!
Cut out eyes and a mouth from construction paper. Use a sharpie to add other details, such as eyelashes, eyebrows, and a nose.
Dress Up!
Cut out a few items for your heart to wear including a hat, hairbow, or bowtie.
Thank you for giving this lesson a try! I’d love to see your work. Please tag @fantasticfunandlearning and @youngschoolartwithmr.g on Instagram.
CONNECT WITH VIN GIANNETTO
Learn more about Vin here on his author bio page. Follow along with him on Facebook at Young School Art with Mr. Giannetto and on Instagram @youngschoolartwithmr.g for art project ideas.
MORE ART AND CRAFT PROJECT IDEAS FROM VIN
PRINTABLE VALENTINE THEME LESSON PLAN BUNDLE
Save time and get right to the playful learning with our printable lesson plan sets. We have a variety of lesson plan sets that work well as winter themes. Each set includes over 30 playful learning activities related to the theme, and we’ve provided different versions for home preschool families and classroom teachers so all activities are geared directly toward your needs.
Each preschool classroom lesson plan pack includes over 30 sensory play, literacy, math, pretend play, and science activities.
All Preschool Teacher 101 Classroom Lesson Plans Include:
1) Recommended Book List
2) 1-Page Weekly Lesson Plan Grid with Activity Ideas for Whole Group, Literacy, Math, and Science each day
3) Alternate Editable Weekly Grids for 4-day, 3-day, and 2-day programs
4) 5 Daily Lesson Plan Sheets with Activity Directions and Materials List
5) 2-Page Center Descriptions
6) Related Printables
This VALENTINE THEME BUNDLE includes the following products:
- Valentine’s Day Theme Preschool Classroom Lesson Plans
- Hearts Theme Preschool Classroom Lesson Plans
- Chocolate Theme Preschool Classroom Lesson Plans
- Friends Theme Preschool Classroom Lesson Plans
GET YOUR LESSON PLANS
Also available on Teachers Pay Teachers.
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