School-aged kids will learn about painting using the pointillism technique in this easy project. This lesson can easily be completed at home or in the classroom.

completed snow scene pointillism projects of a christmas tree and snowman using acrylic paint on black paper - kids activities blog
Paint with dots in this fun and easy project!

What is Pointillism?

Using the pointillism technique means that the artist simply paints by using dots. The painted dots can be of any size, color, and medium. Artists can use many methods to create their dots, but I find the easiest way is to use a circular object and stamp the paint onto the paper.

Related: Use oil pastels to create a lovely winter silhouette.

Supplies Needed to Make a Snow Scene Pointillism Art Project

supplies needed for snow scene pointillism include acrylic paint, black cardstock, and stamping items - kids activities blog
This project requires very few supplies!
  • Black Cardstock
  • Cotton Swabs, Pencil Erasers, Paintbrushes, etc. – for stamping dots
  • White Colored Pencil
  • Acrylic Paint
  • Paper Towels
  • Paint Palette

Directions to Make Snow Scene Pointillism

Step 1

step 1 - using a white colored pencil to sketch a snow scene on black cardstock - kids activities blog
sketch a quick outline of your snow scene design

First, use a white colored pencil to sketch a basic snow scene design.

Step 2

step 2 - using a cotton swab to paint a tree made of dots on black cardstock - kids activities blog
begin stamping background images onto the page

Begin adding paint to your snow scene. Be mindful of space when painting by first painting the objects in the back. This will help the items appear layered and add space and dimension to your art.

Step 3

step 3 - using a cotton swab to add white snow dots to the tree - kids activities blog
Don’t be afraid to Use bold colors when creating your dots

The black cardstock will offer it’s own dark shadows, so don’t be afraid to use bold colors for more interesting shadows and highlights. Layer more dots and paint where you want the colors to be most intense.

Step 4

step 4 - a frayed cotton swab will need to be discarded as it will no longer paint clean circles - avoid this issue by painting with the end of pencil or paintbrush - kids activities blog
Cotton swabs can easily become frayed with this process, keep plenty on hand!

Cotton swabs can easily become frayed with this technique. If using, I recommend that you have plenty on hand and change swabs for each color. Discard swabs as they fray and become unusable.

Tip: To avoid this problem, use the eraser end of a pencil or the handle end of paintbrush to easily create dots. Clean between each color.

Step 5

step 5 - using white paint on top of black wet paint to create the color gray - kids activities blog
painting dots on top of wet paint will cause the colors to blend on the page

Kids can practice blending paints on the page by adding dots onto portions of their artwork that still has wet paint.

Step 6

step 6 - adding snow and finishing touches to the painting - kids activities blog
add finishing touches and details

Finally, add the finishing touches and details to the painting.

Finished Snow Scene Pointillism Art Projects

completed snow scene pointillism projects using acrylic paint on black cardstock - scenes depict a snowman and christmas trees. - kids activities blog
our completed snow scene pointillism masterpieces!

I love how easy and fun these projects were! Since these projects are made on paper, they can be easily framed, clipped, or displayed in your preferred style along with your holiday decorations. 

Our Experience Making this Snow Scene Pointillism Art Project

We enjoyed making this quick and easy project. I always love how bright, bold colors look against the black cardstock. Depending on the medium, pointillism can be a very time consuming process. I believe using this stamp-painting technique is a wonderful way to introduce kids to the technique without overwhelming their patience.

Yield: 1

Snow Scene Pointillism Art Project for Kids

Snow Scene Pointillism Art Project for Kids

School-aged kids will learn about painting using the pointillism technique in this easy project.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Active Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Difficulty Medium
Estimated Cost $1

Materials

  • Black Cardstock

Tools

  • Cotton Swabs, Pencil Erasers, Paintbrushes, etc. – for stamping dots
  • White Colored Pencil
  • Acrylic Paint
  • Paper Towels
  • Paint Palette

Instructions

  1. Use a white colored pencil to sketch a basic snow scene design.
  2. Add paint to your snow scene. Be mindful of space when painting by first painting the objects in the back. This will help the items appear layered and add space and dimension to your art.
  3. Don’t be afraid to use bold colors for more interesting shadows and highlights. Layer more dots and paint where you want the colors to be most intense.
  4. Cotton swabs can easily become frayed with this technique. If using, I recommend that you have plenty on hand and change swabs for each color. Discard swabs as they fray and become unusable. Tip: To avoid this problem, use the eraser end of a pencil or the handle end of paintbrush to easily create dots. Clean between each color.
  5. Practice blending paints on the page by adding dots onto portions of the artwork that still has wet paint.
  6. Add the finishing touches and details to the painting.

Notes

Snow Scene Pointillism Art Variations

  • Experiment with various sized items to stamp your circles.
  • Alter theme to fit any season or holiday.
  • Practice pointillism by using other mediums such as oil or chalk pastels.

Snow Scene Pointillism Art Variations

  • Experiment with various sized items to stamp your circles.
  • Alter theme to fit any season or holiday.
  • Practice pointillism by using other mediums such as oil or chalk pastels.

Other Fun winter Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog

Did your kids enjoy painting with this pointillism technique? What elements did they add to their snow scene?



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