Today we are talking about a kids art idea that is part observation, part exploration and part art project that works for kids of all ages especially those just being introduced to art.
Painting Projects for Kids
When children are painting they’re learning to express themselves. Selecting colors and deciding where to place paint on the paper is about communicating how they feel and think and builds a child’s confidence in their own choices and opinions.
The sensory nature of  the actual process of painting is beneficial too, being both relaxing and stimulating, and can be a great activity to help children manage their emotions.
Kids also develop fine motor skills while painting. Smaller paint brushes require a steadier hand and more coordination. Larger paint brushes can work for more gross motor movements.
Related: How to make watercolor paint
To promote an interest in painting and to keep encouraging new creativity it’s great to offer different materials to try out.
Fun Paint Techniques for Kids We Love
- tin foil art
- what happens when we limit ourselves to just one colour
- made bath tub paint
- done some fun rock painting for kids
- we even made exploding paint bombs
- no mess finger painting was a huge hit!
- Ice painting was one of my favorite art projects
Exploring paint brushes with Kids
A fun beginner art project starts with gathering as many different paint brushes as we could find. Try to vary your paintbrush supplies!
Related: How to make paint
Supplies Needed
- different sizes: from super fine art brushes to wide decorators brushes
- different shapes: including rounded ends, wide flat brushes and angled ends
- different textures: with some coarse bristles, some fine and some sponges too
Directions
Step 1 – Prepare
Then we covered the table with some long rolls of lining paper and the children started exploring.
Step 2 – Explore & Experiment
- How did each brush feel in their hands?
- What lines and shapes could they create?
- Did the paint make different patterns with different brushes?
- Which ones were best for drawing characters and which ones were suited to creating the backgrounds?
Step 3 – Reflect
The results were glorious! All sorts of different patterns and textures and shapes.
The children enjoyed the whole process of the paint brush experiments but also learned some new ideas about which kind of brushes they’ll want to choose for their next projects too.
Related: Looking for more art project ideas?
My kids love art but I’ve also seen how a new set of materials can catch the interest of kids who aren’t usually so keen to paint and invite them to have a go. If you try out some painting this week we’d love to see what you create.
Tell us about your paint brush experience with kids!
Love the idea of exploring different paint brushes that way!
We too have really enjoyed exploring different types of paintbrush – and there’s a wonderful book to enjoy along a similar theme: http://www.playingbythebook.net/2012/01/13/following-my-paintbrush/
My son didn;t like fingerpainting very much, but the first time I handed him a paintbrush (which was a q-tip back then) he was so excited and got very into the process of painting. After that, I bought him a set of kids brushes, even though he was still considered “too young” for the ages 3 and up recommendation. He loves them! Since then, I have recommended this to all of the parents who come to my toddler art group who say their kids hate to touch fingerpaints or get dirty.