Introduction
Art and play naturally belong together. In this hands-on activity, children explore abstract art and geometry by creating their own cityscape inspired by Paul Klee’s Castle and Sun.
Using our range of Acrylic Lucite Cubes and waterproof blocks as paint stamps, children experiment with color, shape, and composition to design vibrant abstract cities. This activity introduces art history in an accessible way while supporting early math skills and creative expression.
Who Was Paul Klee?
Paul Klee was a modern artist known for his playful use of color and geometric shapes. In his artwork Castle and Sun, he used rectangles, squares, and bold colors to build an abstract cityscape.
Before beginning, show children an image of Castle and Sun and ask:
-
What shapes do you see?
-
What colors stand out?
-
How do the shapes work together to create a city?
-
What do you like or dislike about this artwork?
This discussion builds observation skills and introduces the basics of abstract art — where shapes and colors represent ideas rather than realistic scenes.
Skills Developed
This activity supports:
• Fine motor skills
• Creativity and self-expression
• Decision making
• Early math skills (geometry & spatial awareness)
• Understanding abstract art
• Art history exposure
Materials Needed
-
Different Size Lucite Cubes (Available in our Acrylic Sets here)
-
Other waterproof blocks or bath toys (Duplo blocks, etc.)
-
Washable paints
-
Paper or canvas
-
Smock or protective covering
-
Optional: The Cat and the Bird by Géraldine Elschner (inspired by Paul Klee)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Explore the Original Artwork
Begin by looking at Paul Klee’s Castle and Sun together.
Discuss:
-
The geometric shapes
-
The use of bold color blocks
-
How overlapping shapes form buildings
-
How the composition feels balanced or layered
Encourage children to share what they notice — there are no wrong answers.
Prepare the Painting Station
Set out washable paints in several bold colors.
Provide paper or canvas and place the Riley Lucite Cubes and other waterproof blocks nearby.
Remind children that the blocks will be used as stamps.
Create Your Own Abstract City
Invite children to dip the flat side of the blocks into paint and stamp shapes onto the paper.
Encourage experimentation with:
-
Color combinations
-
Overlapping shapes
-
Vertical stacking to form “buildings”
-
Space between shapes
Avoid directing where or how to place shapes. Abstract art thrives on individuality.
Let them explore freely.
Observe & Reflect
After the artwork dries, ask:
-
What shapes did you use most?
-
How did you decide where to place them?
-
Does your city have a story?
This reinforces decision-making and expressive language skills.
Extension Activity
To deepen the experience, read The Cat and the Bird by Géraldine Elschner, inspired by Paul Klee’s artwork.
Discuss how illustrations use shape and color to communicate mood and meaning.
You can even create a second artwork inspired by the book.
Why This Activity Matters
This is more than painting.
Children are:
• Learning geometry through shape recognition
• Practicing fine motor control through stamping
• Making creative decisions independently
• Exploring abstract thinking
• Connecting art history to hands-on experience
By using open-ended materials like Lucite blocks, children see how shapes can transform into meaningful artistic expression.
Bringing Art & Play Together
Open-ended blocks are not just building tools — they become instruments for creative exploration.
From geometric cityscapes to colorful patterns, children discover that art, math, and play are deeply connected. You can learn more about how open-ended play builds early math skills in young children here.
There is no single “right” outcome — only imagination.
Shop the Materials
Explore our Lucite Cubes and open-ended building sets designed to support creativity, early math skills, and artistic exploration.
