If you want to try easy painting for kids, I have just the projects for you. Try these acrylic paint crafts with your little ones – so much fun!
Skills Required: None. All of these ideas are perfect for beginners, as well as children of any age. I believe adults will have just as good of a time making these as the kids will.
One of my earliest memories of doing crafts of any kind is taking painting classes in second grade. I also remember exactly what I wanted to paint that year. My first muse was named Claire, and she was my Cabbage Patch Kid.
I remember her little pink jumper, blonde braids, blue eyes, and tiny pig nose. And how I tried to paint them so diligently and accurately. I think the nose was a little too big, the head misshapen, and the braids definitely too thin.
But that’s not the point, right?
Painting for kids isn’t about being the next Van Gogh. At least from my perspective. What I was painting didn’t matter, because I was learning to express my creativity and add my own interpretation of the world to paper with paint and a brush.
Painting is a super fun art activity for kids that promotes not only creativity, but fine motor skills. And it’s never too early to start.
Painting with Children
If you’re ready to dig into some painting ideas, I’ve got a ton for you. And you’re going to love them. Before we get started though, I want to go through some frequently asked questions.
To get to the projects, simply scroll down to the list. Otherwise, here are the top questions answered!
What kind of paint do you use for kids?
You can use a variety of paints with children’s crafts. Here are the most common paints that I recommend to you:
Acrylic Paints – you’ll find inexpensive sets in the kids’ section of the craft store.
Craft Paints – these are typically sold as individual bottles in the paint section of the craft store. My favorite brand is Apple Barrel.
Tempera Paints – this paint is thinner and more liquid than acrylic. It’s harder to control when you want a really sharp looking project, but it’s inexpensive (and typically washable!).
Watercolor Paints – made from a pigment and a binder, and the thinnest of any of the paints. For kids you’ll buy these in a tray, and they’re very budget friendly.
You can also make homemade paints, which are featured in some of these projects (for example, puffy paint!).
For any paint type you select, make sure the label says “Conforms to ASTM D-4236.” Conforms to ASTM D-4236means that the label will indicate if there are any hazardous substances within the paint. It’s typically required of art supplies.
You’re going to be looking for paints that don’t list hazardous substances as ingredients – waterbased, non-toxic paints. That way if the paint gets on the skin or (oopsie) in the mouth, you don’t have to worry.
How do I teach my child to paint?
I would say there is more a parent needs to do to prepare a child for painting than the kid! Get mentally prepared for a bit of a mess and cover your workspace (and your child) accordingly.
More than teaching them to paint, let your child be creative. Walk them through a lot of the projects below – there are several techniques and lots of different tools that kids will enjoy.
Don’t try to control the process (especially older kids); let your littles have a good time and go in whatever direction the project takes them. Read more tips for crafting with children.
Ready to jump into painting with kids? Check out the great list of projects below!
1
diycandy.com
DIY Spin Art Machine
Make your own spin painter by using a household item as a spin painter! This DIY spin art machine is so fun for kids to do – it’s a budget friendly splatter paint technique and easy to set up.
Scrape painting is a super simple art process for color mixing! Using red, yellow, and blue paint, kids can create bold and colorful works of art with simple tools.
Leslie uses four paper plates to make each flower along with some beautifully vibrant watercolors! Kids are going to enjoy the effects they can get with layering the floral pieces.
Even kids can paint the starry night! It's easy to imitate one of the masters using bright colors and a fork. It's fun to see how children interpret this classic painting.
Here’s a classic process art project for kids – painting with Q-tips (cotton swabs) and watercolor paint. This art activity is perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and on up!
Grab some wood circles in various sizes, paint them on both sides, and turn them into unique necklaces! This is a great project that can also be turned into keychains, charms, and more.
This DIY photo holder is perfect as a homemade gift, and also makes a great summer camp craft! This creative idea uses stones of various sizes and can be adapted for just about any age.
Acrylic paint pouring is all the rage, and kids can try it too. Make these extremely colorful, marbleized pieces of art in a few simple step. I really dig the results!
This three-ingredient sidewalk chalk paint is a blast for kids! Learn how to make it – you probably have everything on hand. This paint is a great way to teach kids to use a paintbrush without worrying about mess.
Let kids get really creative with bright acrylic paints on an old sheet, then frame in embroidery hoops. Can’t you envision a whole wall covered in these colorful round paintings?
What if there were a technique were you could smush paint to create art – but not get messy? Guess what, I've found it! Smush painting uses a simple kitchen supply for a unique effect.
Using flowers as brushes is a fun way to start painting for kids! After you paint with the florals, you try a scraping technique that adds a colorful touch to this interesting project.
Foil painting just requires an easy little switch. Foil instead of paper means a new painting surface; a slippery, reflective surface that’s extra fun to paint on.
This rainbow painting for kids will allow your littles to get really “hands-on”! Children will love exploring color mixing and blending as they create their art.
Do you have a used gift card or an old credit card? If so, you have exactly what you need to make this DIY paint scraper for kids. These are so easy and such a fun, satisfying process for children of any age!
Save your old soap dispensers to use as unique bubble painters! The bubble paint looks puffy when wet and shiny when it’s dry and feels smooth to touch. Kids will love it!
Dart balloon painting is a fun way to get creative outdoors! Kids will love seeing the paint splatter which results in bright and colorful abstract paintings.
Nothing says spring like seeing blooming cherry blossom trees in gorgeous shades of pink! This cherry blossom painting is a wonderful spring art project for kids. You use cotton balls to paint.
Get your littles painting AND get them outside at the same time! Squirt gun painting is about as fun as it gets. Try a wide variety of colors with this painting technique!
This silly snake project gives kids a chance to paint patterns. Children can enjoy mixing and matching the brightly coloured segments to make a unique snake every time they play.
Painting swirly flowers is as simple as can be, but with frame-worthy results. You and your children will have fun combining colors and creating your own uniquely beautiful, bold flowers.
Can you believe this rocket started as a styrofoam egg? Grab your paints and make a few with various color combinations. Not only are these fun, but they're fun to play with!
This instant canvas paint art is perfect for children of all ages – because once the tape is down, it doesn't matter where the paint goes. The tape acts as a resist!
Your child will have so much fun with this drip painting rainbow name activity. The vibrant rainbow colors are super cool, and any age can participate.
Have you ever heard of blow painting? I'll give you a hint – you're going to use a straw. The effects are cool, and your children will be amazed by the technique.
Be honest – you've always wanted to dance around in paint. I'll tell you right now that it's always been a dream of mine! I guess it's never too late, right?
Painted walking sticks are a great art activity that doesn’t cost a thing! Your kids will be so proud to carry their custom-painted sticks when hiking around the neighborhood or out in nature.
This is fun painting idea for kids to make as a group! See how Barbara pulled together a bunch of littles, watercolors, and coffee filters to make some pretty and bright art.
Making paint stamps out of vegetables? It's not only possible – this tutorial shows you how to do it! Your children will love stamping various creatures and shapes out of their tubers.
This homemade puffy paint recipe is easy to make with just three ingredients: self-rising flour, salt and water. Paint your picture, put it in the microwave, and it puffs right up! Your kids will love it!
Stars are so versatile! Paint newspaper with watercolor and then cut out star shapes to make a garland. These are great for parties, birthday, graduation, and more.
Creating big art is a fun way for kids to express themselves freely and is easy to set up! Using a big canvas and bold acrylic paint colors, children can have a Matisse of their own.
Using a piece of card and spoon for color mixing, children can recreate their own impressionist water lily painting. Kids can experiment with their hands, brushes, a sponge, or anything else that adds texture.
Pointillism art with Q-tips is a perfect standby, super-easy-yet-interesting painting activity that you'll turn to again and again when littles are bored. Great activity for hand eye coordination.
Bernade
Sunday 30th of April 2023
Thank you!!! So many cute and easy ideas for fun art!
Khushboo
Tuesday 1st of September 2020
Hii I like your blog. I found it useful and unique. I also have a blog