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.

exploring paint brushes with kids - Kids Activities Blog - 5 paint brushes with different sizes and different colors shown
Let’s do a fun and easy art project with paint brushes!

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.

paint brushes of different sizes with painting different size strokes with art ideas for kids - Kids Activities blog
So many fun art ideas to do with paint…

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

paint brushes of all different sizes and shapes
Which is your favorite paint brush?

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?
art made from different size paint brushes and paint - Kids activities blog
What brush strokes came from each paint brush?

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!



Welcome to Kids Activities!

My name is Holly Homer & I am the Dallas mom of three boys…

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3 Comments

  1. 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.