Giving your children the opportunity to express themselves is a great gift that shapes the person they will become. Doing art projects together at home gives them a safe space to develop their creativity, express themselves and try new things, and learn while having fun. Painting is often one of the first things people think about when they imagine art, and it’s a favorite beloved by both children and adults. Below we share a few kid-friendly (and parent-approved!) painting projects for families in the Portland area and beyond to enjoy together.
5 Kid-Friendly Painting Projects to Do Art at Home
First things first—parents, please don’t worry about or judge your own creative skills, as these activities are for everyone to learn and grow together. Prepare your work area by covering the floors, or work in a tiled area for easy cleanup. Have paper towels on hand and cups of water or solvent for brush cleaning.
Choose the type of paint you want to use (typically acrylic or watercolor). Older children may enjoy oil-based paints. Keep in mind that for certain projects, some types definitely work better than others. Select art paper, poster board, canvases or a surface thick enough to receive paint, and your temporary art studio is ready. The following ideas will help you make your household’s own museum of precious works.
1. Finger Painting
Finger and handprint painting are classic methods enjoyed everywhere. Kids get a chance to put down the screens, pick up the paints and imagine. You can help them transform their paint-dipped fingertips and hands into animals, buildings and more. The simplicity makes this an ideal art project for early elementary-aged children.
2. Sponge Paint
Sponges are great, because once dipped in paint they leave incredible designs and textures (using acrylics or oil paints). These shapes can conjure up all kinds of images, from a forest full of trees to galaxies of planets and stars. Other creative materials to use instead of brushes include forks, spoons, pipe cleaners and bubble wrap. All leave behind interesting shapes and patterns.
3. Leaf and Nature Painting
Nature has some of the best patterns of all. Before painting, head outside and grab a handful of leaves, flowers, twigs or anything you think would make an interesting mark. After cleaning the items, brush on a thin coat of paint, then press the item onto your chosen surface. When you remove the item it will leave behind a print, whether you use a leaf, flower petal, or even pebble or rock.
4. Wax Resist Painting
Wax resist painting is one method where it’s best to use watercolors on art paper. To begin, everyone uses a crayon (typically white) to draw a picture, shapes, or encouraging words on the page. Next, use the desired paint colors to bring the “hidden” designs or messages to life before everyone’s eyes. This project is a lot of fun and introduces a form of mixed-media art.
5. Pointillism Painting
This style is great for older kids as it takes a steady hand and some patience, but younger children will enjoy it too. Designs are created using tiny dots in varying sizes to form a larger picture. Using items like cotton swabs and the tips of thin brushes, children create whatever designs they want. Basic trees, the sun with rays, and rainbows are all great starting points for this project.
These are five easy painting ideas among the many available. The first three were chosen with younger children in mind, but can be aged-up accordingly to keep the interest of all children. All of these mini kids’ art lessons introduce children to art styles, creative thinking and problem solving, and helps them also develop their fine motor skills. These projects do make for a fun family experience.
Find More Kids’ Painting & Art Lessons Free Online
Now that you’ve caught the art bug, you can continue with free kids’ art lessons online from Golden Road Arts. It’s our mission to make sure children, parents and teachers in Beaverton and throughout the country have access to these quality lessons. Check out our library of resources for yourself or feel free to make a donation to support our work.
