Encourage children to explore the magic of painting with this easy process-based art activity!
Can art be play? YES.
Art can be considered play for children when it is focused on the process and not the end product.
This type of creating is refered to as process-based art.
Process-based art is art that is focused on the making. Not the end result.
Process-based art activities develop independence, critical thinking skills, inquiry, and confidence as they encourage children to make their own choices about their artwork.
Here’s how we did these big process-based paintings.
Supplies:
- Roll of kraft paper
- If working outdoors, weights to hold down the paper
- Washable paint in a variety of colors
- Variety of experimental painting tools (squeegee, brayer, paintbrush, toothbrush, bubble wrap, etc.)
Directions:
- Unroll a length of kraft paper.
- If working out doors, anchor the ends of your paper. For ours, I sent my son on a mission to collect rocks from our landscaping to use as our paper weights.
- Place dollops of washable paint all around the kraft paper.
- Provide your child or children with the time and space to paint away! Encourage the exploration of painting with large movements and using the experimental tools.
We were out on the driveway, painting together, for well-over an hour. It was pure magic and we will definitely be doing it again.
Looking for another process-based art project? Check out this process-based line sculpture craft. All you need is some airdry clay, beads, and pipe cleaners.
Needing another large-scale art project? Check out this free lesson plan for collaborative Winter Village murals. It would be a great activity for a classroom or homeschool co-op.
Happy painting, friends!
