18 Painting Ideas for Kids
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Quick answer: 18 Painting Ideas for Kids. This guide gives 18 ideas in 4 sections: Easy starters; Clever techniques; Painting on different things; Inspiration for older artists. Budget: Under 拢15 for supplies. Best for: Ages 2 to 12.
- Time: 20 to 60 minutes
- Budget: Under 拢15 for supplies
- Best for: Ages 2 to 12
A small hand grabs the brush, dips it into the brightest blue and sweeps it across the page with total confidence. Painting is the one thing children never seem to need persuading to do.
These eighteen ideas range from simple to inventive. Use washable, non toxic paint, cover the table and keep a roll of kitchen paper at hand for drips.
Top tip: Put paint into a muffin tin rather than separate pots. It keeps colours tidy, stops spills and makes it easy for children to mix new shades in the empty sections.
Easy starters
No fuss, no fancy kit. Just paint and paper.
- Finger painting: Big sheets and bare hands make a delightful, tactile picture. Perfect for toddlers, with a bath to follow.
- Handprint animals: Print a hand and add eyes, feet and tail to create a bird or a lion. Date the back for a keepsake.
- Sponge painting: Cut sponges into shapes and dip them in paint. Stamp a pattern such as stars or hearts.
- Splatter painting: Flick a loaded brush over paper outdoors. Place a stencil on top for a bold silhouette.
- Rainbow rolling: Roll a toy car through paint and across the page. Make tyre track roads on huge paper.
Clever techniques
These methods look impressive and are easy to master.
- Salt painting: Draw with glue, sprinkle salt and add drops of watery paint. The colour spreads along the lines like magic.
- Wax resist: Draw with a white crayon, then paint over with watercolours. The pictures appear as the paint skips over the wax.
- Blow painting: Drip watery paint onto paper and blow through a straw to move it around. Look for tree and flower shapes.
- Bubble painting: Mix paint with a little washing up liquid and water, blow bubbles with a straw and pop them onto paper. Do not drink!
- Marbling with shaving foam: Spread foam on a tray, drip in paint and swirl, then press paper onto it and scrape away. Keep foam away from faces.
Painting on different things
Paper is only the beginning.
- Pebble painting: Wash and dry smooth stones, then paint animals or patterns. Add a coat of varnish so they last outdoors.
- Terracotta pots: Paint plant pots in bold colours and plant sunflower seeds in them. A lovely gift for a relative.
- Window painting: Use washable window paint to decorate glass for the seasons. Wipe off with a damp cloth.
- Canvas masterpiece: Give older children a small canvas and let them choose a subject. Frame it as a present or display it.
Inspiration for older artists
Older children can try new styles and take a project further.
- Paint your favourite song: Listen to music and paint what it feels like, rather than what it looks like. A calming and expressive task.
- Copy a famous painting: Look up a well known artwork and make your own version. Compare the two and discuss colours.
- Nature palette: Collect leaves and petals, rub them on paper for natural colour and use them as inspiration for a painting.
- Paint a portrait of a friend: Sit across from each other and paint a quick portrait. Swap and giggle over the results.
Helpful links and further reading
A few trusted places to find out more.
- NHS Healthier Families: Simple recipes, food swaps and active ideas for the whole family.
- National Trust: Find gardens, parks and historic places for a day out.
Frequently asked questions
What paint is best for children?
Washable, non toxic ready mixed paints are easiest. Poster paint and finger paint suit different ages.
How do I stop a mess?
Cover the table, use smocks and keep a damp cloth ready. Muffin tins hold paint in place.
How can I display paintings?
Use a string with pegs, a magnetic board or a simple frame. A weekly gallery makes children proud.
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