Help Fund Free Art for Kids

Painting Techniques Every Young Artist Should Try

Young artists practicing fun painting techniques.
Image Credit – Tanya_Terekhina/Shutterstock.com

Painting provides children with a creative outlet where they can explore and express themselves. Child-friendly art lessons that encourage creativity through painting can help young artists build their confidence and develop a variety of essential life skills. From experimenting with color to trying new tools and painting methods, different approaches help children discover their unique artistic style. Here, we share several painting techniques that every young artist should try.

Fun Painting Techniques That Spark Creativity in Children

Introducing children to different painting techniques can open the door to endless creativity. As they experiment with new methods, materials and tools, young artists begin to discover their own artistic style and develop a greater appreciation for art.

Experiment With Watercolors

Watercolor painting offers endless possibilities for experimentation. Wet washes, wet-on-wet and dry brush techniques are all excellent ways children can use watercolors to create unique textures and effects. Through these exercises, they will learn how to blend colors while also developing important problem-solving and fine motor skills.

Explore Acrylic and Tempera Painting

Children can explore different colors, textures and designs using acrylic and tempera paints. They can use brushes in an assortment of sizes to build layers, mix colors, explore different approaches and hone their artistic skills. These paints are versatile and forgiving, making them a great choice for young artists of all ability levels, whether they’re more advanced or just starting out.

Try Textured Art

Textured art encourages children to explore tools beyond traditional brushes. Sponges, palette knives, even objects found in nature such as twigs and leaves can be used to create unique, eye-catching effects. These activities inspire imaginative thinking and encourage young artists to think outside the box.

Examine Mixed Media Projects

Through mixed media projects, children can explore a variety of materials and artistic techniques in a single piece. They can experiment with paints, paper, fabric, buttons and even found objects to create layered, textured artwork. Mixed media is a hands-on technique that fosters inventive thinking and allows kids to express themselves in truly unique ways.

Encourage Color and Pattern Exploration

Learning about colors and patterns is a fundamental part of a child’s academic and artistic development. Many schools incorporate art lessons in the classroom as a way for children to experiment and become familiar with different shapes, repeating patterns, symmetry and color contrasts. Through these activities young artists develop an understanding of design, expand their creativity, and become more self-confident in their abilities as artists.

Discover Creative Painting Ideas for Young Artists

Painting provides children with an opportunity to tap into their imagination, communicate their ideas, express their emotions and develop lifelong skills. At Golden Road Arts we provide lessons, tutorials and tips designed to make art fun and exciting for children of all ages. Call (503) 718-7097 or browse our free art lessons today.

Artey the Art Bear holding a news for you sign about online art lessons news
Free Summer Art Events for Children

Join Golden Road Arts this summer for free in-person art events and book readings at Hillsboro parks.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Delivered to Your Inbox

Every Child Deserves Access to Art Education

We deliver free art lessons to elementary and middle school children online and at in-person events through partnerships with school districts, libraries and community organizations.

Free Art Lessons in English

Whether you are a parent, teacher or student our art lessons are free.

Spanish Art Lessons.

Spanish Art Lessons

We offer art lessons in Spanish to support children and families.

Support free online art lessons for kids

Support Art for Kids

By spreading the word or making a donation you can help us.