These abstract paintings look like something I would buy, but I didn’t buy them. Nor did I lift a paintbrush.
I had a hard time titling this post, mostly because I didn’t want you to see the word “kid” and think that it was art that only a mom or grandma could love. But I have to give them credit!
My kids LOVE to paint. When I go to paint something, I usually hear “where’s my paint?” I’ll usually get out their color wonder stuff, watercolors, or convince them that they want crayons, and let them draw something on paper and that’s it.
But if I’m trying to inject color into my home and create pieces that speak to us, that we love, why not include them in the fun? Why not let them help me create artwork for our home?
Supplies Needed:
painters’ tape in varying widths (I used 1 1/2 inch and 1/2 inch)
paint (I use and prefer Martha Stewart craft paint!)
paintbrushes
blank canvas
a kid (not pictured below)
First first, if you find your canvas at Goodwill, you might want to paint it white. These just weren’t my style. (Sorry, high school kid who painted them.) I gave ‘em a few coats of glossy white.
Next, tape off the edges of your canvas. I wanted a crisp look, almost like the artwork had a mat.
Next, add your stripes. You could have a specific pattern, or mix it up. I liked using tapes of different widths.
let your tape stripes sit on the outside tape instead of wrapping them, it was much easier to pull off
Here’s the key to making kids’ art fit your home: only give them colors that YOU want in a piece of art. They won’t mind, and your piece will look a little bit more refined and match your color scheme.
Next, let them paint. Don’t tell them what colors and where, let THEM do it! Trust me, trust them.
Use it as an exercise to color inside the lines for older kids, or just tell them to paint over them. Don’t worry about unpainted white space.
When they’re done, peel off the tape while the paint is still wet. Let dry.
I was thinking these would go in their room, but now I’m not so sure! I love how they look and want to show ‘em off in the rest of the house!
Nice job, kids! I’m gonna put you to work more often...
click here for other projects that put your kids to work your kids can help with!