Because the elements of art and principles of design are widely recognized as the formal ingredients in a work of art, I’m always on the lookout for ways to integrate them into my art lessons. This project presents one of my favorite approaches for introducing “line” as an element of art to young artists. Part of what makes this unit a favorite is that it gives kids a chance to:
- view many real-world applications of line in art,
- physically act out lines through movement,
- practice drawing a wide selection of line types (straight, curvy, zigzag, continuous, and so on),
- talk about their own use of line
Another part of what makes this unit so fantastic is that it dives deep into the work of one of my all-time favorite artists: Paul Klee. First of all, I love his visual aesthetic. Second, I love how many of his titles reveal his playfulness and dry humor. I have an old book of Klee Drawings and could flip through it any day of the week to lift my mood.
I mean? What’s not to love?
This engaging art unit for kids ages 4-8 illustrates how Paul Klee whimsically explores line in his art. You’ll expose kids to several of Klee’s artworks, explore a fantastic array of fundamental line types, and engage their little energetic bodies and imaginations! Below, you’ll find a detailed overview of the Paul Klee art unit. You’ll also find a time-saving motherload of supplemental resources that’ll have you quickly feeling like an absolute authority on all things Klee-related! Enjoy!
Keep scrolling for:
- 15 Klee-Related Fun Facts
- Common Questions Kids Ask About Paul Klee
- Picture Books to go Along with Paul Klee Art Projects
- Informational Books about Paul Klee
- Informational Videos about Paul Klee
- An overview with photos and screenshots of the Paul Klee art unit
- Free Printable Paul Klee Quote Poster
Famous Artist Facts
15 Fun Facts about Paul Klee for Kids
- Klee was also a gifted violinist.
- Paul Klee blended the styles of cubism, expressionism, and surrealism.
- Klee painted over 9000 pieces in his life.
- Klee originally wanted to be a musician like his parents, but changed paths in his teens.
- Ad Parnassum is one of Klee’s most well-known works, painted in 1932.
- Klee’s art was often inspired by music, thanks to his musical upbringing.
- Klee loved experimenting with color, and mixing colors.
- In the Style of Kairouan was Klee’s first true abstract art piece.
- Paul Klee has a whole museum dedicated to him in Switzerland, the Zentrum Paul Klee.
- While not officially counted among his works, Klee also created hand puppets for his son, Felix.
- Klee got his very own Google Doodle to celebrate his 139th birthday.
- Klee has been referred to as the “Newton of Color” thanks to his extensive study of color theory.
- Paul Klee helped paint camouflage on airplanes.
- Paul Klee was born on Dec 18, 1879, and died June 29, 1940.
- Klee was a teacher at the Bauhaus School of Art for 10 years.
Common Questions Kids Ask About Paul Klee
Where did Paul Klee live?
Paul Klee was a Swiss-German who was born in Switzerland and studied in Munich, Germany.
What is Paul Klee famous for?
He is a famous painter. He is associated with multiple 20th century art movements but is best known for his own unique style. Ad Parnassum, Twittering Machine, and Cat and Bird are among his most recognized works.
What did Paul Klee use to paint?
What techniques did he use? Sometimes Klee combined multiple paint types, surface types, and painting techniques in a single work of art. He was known to work with oil paint, watercolor, tempera, and ink. He painted on canvas, cardboard, burlap, newsprint, and wallpaper, among many other surfaces. His techniques included brush painting, spray painting, etching, glazing, and impasto.
When did Paul Klee start painting?
As a boy Klee drew landscape sketches and filled his school notebooks with sketches of comics. His parents initially encouraged him to become a musician but he decided to pursue visual arts as a teen.
Is Paul Klee still alive?
No, Paul Klee died on June 29, 1940.
For more information about Paul Klee, visit the following pages.
Picture Books to go Along with Paul Klee Art Projects
In the Paul Klee Unit from Kids Art Projects 101 we explore the concept of line. These picture books about lines and creative thinking can lead to great discussions that support student’s understanding of the concept.
A Line Can Be… by Laura Ljungkvist
Children follow a playful and ingenious line as it travels along the bright pages of this board book. In a simplistic modern style the author shows how a single line forms different shapes that demonstrate opposites. {Full book details here.}
The Line by Paula Bossio
This wordless picture book inspires children to think creatively as they take a walk with a little girl and imagine various adventures they can take part in as a line transforms. {Full book details here.}
Lines that Wiggle by Candace Whitman
In this rhyming picture book full of cleverly fun and not-so-scary monsters children follow the line that runs through this picture book and turns itself into all kinds of things: the waves above an octopus, the veins in a leaf, the wrappings curling around a mummy, and the trapping threads of a spiderweb. {Full book details here.}
When a Line Bends . . . A Shape Begins by Rhonda Gowler Greene
Kids who enjoy I Spy will love the vibrant pages in this book. Along the way they’ll discuss different characteristics of lines and shapes. {Full book details here.}
Books About Paul Klee
The following books are specifically related to Paul Klee and can supplement the facts and information provided in the digital presentation that is part of the Paul Klee Art Unit from Kids Art Projects 101.
What Paul Made: A story about a young Paul Klee by Valerie Downs
Inspired by a quote from Paul Klee, “A line is a dot that went for a walk,” this story is full of color and an exploration of Paul Klee himself. {Full book details here.}
Dreaming Pictures: Paul Klee (Adventures in Art) by Paul Klee, Juergen von Schemm
A simple presentation of some of Paul Klee’s works, with explanations of the art {Full book details here.}
Paul Klee for Children by Silke Vry
Focusing on his love of color and shapes, this book is a great introduction to Klee’s lighthearted technique and personal history. {Full book details here.}
The Cat and the Bird: A Children’s Book Inspired by Paul Klee by Geraldine Elschner
A story based on Klee’s famous cat and bird paintings, following themes of friendship and freedom {Full book details here.}
Paul Klee: Animal Tricks by Christian Rumelin
A whimsical introduction to the works of Paul Klee {Full book details here.}
Learn More About Paul Klee with these YouTube Videos
Paul Klee. Brief biography and artwork by Educational Videos for Kids
A simple presentation of facts about Paul Klee’s life and art. {See it on YouTube.}
An exploration of Paul Klee’s painting, Fish Magic. {See it on YouTube.}
Art with Mati and Dada – Paul Klee | Kids Animated Short Stories in English by Art with Mati & Dada
A colorful cartoon journey into the art and dream of Paul Klee. {See it on YouTube.}
Artist: Paul Klee by BrainArt
A visual gallery of Paul Klee’s famous works, with facts about his art and life. {See it on YouTube.}
Klee Unit for K-2 Art Students
The Klee Unit is a project-based study of Paul Klee that introduces young artists to the concept of line.
Inside the unit you’ll find a 23-page unit guide full of information and tips for teaching this series of art lessons to students in preschool through grade 2.
The unit is broken down into three 40-minute sessions.
For each session there is a guided presentation that has already been prepared for you and can be used via Google Slides or PowerPoint. The presentation also introduces and guides you through completion of a studio project and follow-up activity.
The 101-page combined PDF and Google Slides full resource includes:
- An original digital storybook designed to expose students to famous artworks and details about Paul Klee
- A digital step-by-step studio project guide with clear directions, supply lists, and work sample photos
- A printable studio project follow-up activity
- A printable early finisher activity
- A digital lesson overview
- A printable self-assessment
Klee Unit Teaching Tips Video
The Famous Artists units are designed to be open-and-go, but if you are the kind of teacher who likes to dig a little deeper, we’ve also created video tutorials for each of the units. In each video I share helpful tips that I’ve learned along the way as I use these units in my own elementary art classroom. These are currently available only to members of the Kids Art Projects 101 program. Learn more about becoming a member here.
Free Printable Klee Quote Poster
I’m sharing a free printable quote poster to go with each of the famous artist units. These can be used as a way to connect art and literacy and inspire discussions about the meaning or significance of each artist’s quote.
The free printable includes a color option that can be placed on display in the art room as decor throughout the year or added to a student work showcase bulletin board.
There is also a black and white version that kids can use as an optional coloring page.
Get the Free Printable Klee Quote Poster
Are you a Kids Art Projects 101 member? Download your printable quote poster here.
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