Process art is an incredible creative activity for kids because it gives them the opportunity to create without limits. They don’t have to follow a set of instructions. There is no right or wrong way for their picture to look. They can express themselves, experiment, and relax with total freedom. Here are 60 Amazing Process Art Ideas for Kids to get you started.
Why is Process Art good for Kids?
There are more benefits to process art than you would initially believe. Some of which include:
- Creativity
- Problem Solving
- Emotional Regulation
- Patience
- Focus
- Fine Motor Skills
NAEYC has a fantastic article on How Process-Focused Art Experiences Support Preschoolers. They include how to implement process art and explain that
The art experience is a child’s choice and ideas are not readily available online
NAEYC – How Process-Focused Art Experiences Support Preschoolers.
Another Article you may enjoy is How Do Artistic Creative Activities Regulate Our Emotions? Validation of the Emotion Regulation Strategies for Artistic Creative Activities Scale (ERS-ACA).
Yes, it is a scientific paper, but don’t worry. Skip down to page 9 and there’s this beautiful table. This table shows you the vast benefits of art for emotional regulation, in a way that is very straightforward and easy to understand.
What is Process Art for Kids? Finding the Middle Ground
After reading this article you’ll realize that these Process Art Ideas for Kids are not “true” process art.
Most likely the child hasn’t chosen the materials or when to create. However, the world isn’t perfect. I for one, do not let my kids have free access to whatever art supplies they want.
In my house, it’s just not practical. My kids are still very young and I would end up cleaning paint off the walls every 10 minutes. Instead, I do have a designated art time. Which is usually when they ask to paint or I feel like experimenting.
I also give them limited materials. I don’t want to have to wash a hundred different brushes, tools or whatever else they wanted to use, when they have finished painting.
Limiting some things may not be true process art, but it makes it easier for the parents and teachers. If I have to wash art supplies all day then I know I will never let my kids paint again.
If your kids are older, and you trust them to have free access to the art supplies then I highly recommend reading the article above because it gives you a good understanding of what is and isn’t process art.
All of these process art ideas are the middle ground. There is no end result, no way the picture should look. It’s all about experimenting with the actual process of it.
Show the kids ideas and techniques they can use to create, and then let them use those techniques to make whatever they like.
Process Art Ideas for Kids
1. Splat Painting
How far can you make the paint go if you give it a good whack? Splat painting is a great way to introduce toddlers and preschoolers to process art ideas for kids. But it is messy, so make sure that you do it outside.
2. Rainbow Lightning
Can you make the colors splinter like lightning? Believe it or not, you can, and it’s easy enough for toddlers to do. Learn how to turn a rainbow into lightning in an unbelievably fun way.
3. Painting on Foil
Using foil to paint on, instead of a canvas is so much fun. This is one of my favorite process art activities for preschoolers, because they just love exploring how the paint spreads differently.
4. Fizzy Painting
There are so many different ways to create art. You can even use some simple science. Create a painting that fizzes and bubbles when you add the colors to it, using common kitchen ingredients.
5. DIY Washable Window Paint
Learn how to make washable paint that can go on windows, cars, or even garage doors. This is a great way to decorate your house for the holidays, or just to give your kids a different kind of canvas to explore.
6. Hammer Painting
If you’re looking for some different ways to play, then try using a hammer to create some cool art. This is also a fantastic way for kids to release some of their extra energy. Win win.
7. Toothbrush Painting
Thanks to the internet, it’s now so easy to find and share creative ways to paint with kids. Use a regular toothbrush to paint, since the bristles are on the side instead of the end, it requires a new set of hand movements to work.
8. Bubble Wrap Roller Art
Bubble wrap isn’t just fun to pop, it also creates some fun art ideas for kids. Wrap the bubble wrap around a roller and create some rainbow dots as you roll.
9. Block Painting
Use foam blocks to paint a number of different pictures. The most simple is just a collection of shapes. However this is my favorite, because when it’s dry, the final product can then be used as a shape matching activity.
10. Rainbow Sand Art
Explore three different ways to create art using rainbow sand. Using the sand dry or wet will create different effects, and kids will love the artwork they’ve made.
11. 10 Rain Painting Ideas
Rainy days don’t have to be hard, in fact there are several ways you can use the rain to make art. Check out these 10 different ideas that cater to kids of different ages and skill level.
12. Frozen Paint
Have you ever tried to create art using frozen paint? The best way to freeze paint is to place some in an ice cube tray and place a popsicle stick into the mixture. This is such a fun idea for hot summer days.
13. Marbled Paper Art for Kids
Use shaving cream for a number of process art ideas. Here you can use it with food coloring to make a beautiful marbled pattern on a piece of paper. This is a great base for mothers day cards or any other art projects.
14. Letter Imprints Alphabet Art
Use magnetic letters to make some alphabet imprints. This is a wonderful way for kids to learn their ABC’s with some hands on play.
15. Hammering Flowers Art
Hammering flowers is a great introduction to process art for kids. This will allow kids to let off a bit of energy while exploring different ways to be creative.
16. Corn Painting Process Art for Kids
Love of art is something that I always try to instill in kids, or at least the love of creating. Using corn to paint creates fun patterns as it rolls back and forth over the page.
17. Drip Painting
Older kids will love this process art idea for kids. Use the rain to make a drip painting, this is perfect for a little shower, especially since you can adjust it to do some color mixing while it drips too.
18. Car Painting
Painting with toy cars is a fun alternative to a paintbrush. The trucks can roll down a ramp covered in butchers paper, or just let them drive around on the ground. Either way, the end result is going to be a whole lot of fun.
19. Shape Stamp Painting
Discover the joy of shape stamp painting for toddlers. This is an example of how you can use everyday objects to create fun painting ideas.
20. Spin Art Hearts
Create beautiful spin art hearts with the spin art technique. This simple activity is fun, easy and perfect for all ages and skill levels.
21. DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint
Create beautiful art invitations with our DIY sidewalk chalk paint. Make your outdoor space come alive with vibrant colors and endless creativity.
22. Apple Stamping
Get creative with a fun apple stamping art idea for kids! Watch a group of children embrace their inner artists and make beautiful prints.
23. Simple Clay Activity
Get out some modeling clay and let your kids explore however they want. This activity is great for 2 year olds and up. Since there’s no final expectation, even young kids can create something unique with this easy clay craft.
Photo: Days With Grey
24. Watercolor Yarn Kids Process Art
Yarn might not be a staple in your regular art supplies. But with this easy idea, little ones can create a colorful picture using yarn and watercolors.
Photo: Arty Crafty Kids
25. Polar Bear Art Project
Kids can fingerpaint the polar bear process art using an incredibly easy technique. This art idea is great for winter or polar themed lesson plans.
Photo: Play to Learn Preschool
26. Paper Plate Twisting Art
This process art idea for kids is all about color mixing. Simply sandwich the paint between two paper plates and twist. The colors will mix together and create some wonderful patterns.
Photo: Buggy and Buddy
27. Water Pistol Painting
This easy idea is fun for kids of all ages. After all, who doesn’t love to play with water, especially on a hot day. Now you get to try making some art with water pistols, and let the kids have fun experimenting with the different patterns they can make, depending on where they stand.
Photo: Messy Little Monster
28. Sunscreen Painting
Get the paint brushes out, because it’s time to learn about sun safety. Sounds strange right? But that’s exactly what happens when you paint with sunscreen. The kids get a fantastic visual on what the sun does to paper with, and without sunscreen protecting it.
Photo: Team Cartwright
29. Hapa Zome
Use real flowers in the creative process with hapa zome. What is hapa zome? It’s a Japanese term meaning ‘leaf-dye. ‘ Basically you’re going to use material to absorb the color of leaves and flowers. This is a great process art activity as well as a scientific one.
Photo: Thimble and Twig
30. Toddler Process Art Activity using Spools
Great ideas are always the most simple. If you’re a sewer, then save your spools to create some art. The spools leave wonderful patterns when used to paint with, and they’re so much fun to explore with.
Photo: Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds
31. Marbled Lids Process Art
There is no wrong way to do process art ideas for kids. But just because it’s all about the process of getting there, doesn’t mean the final result won’t look amazing. These marbled lids make wonderful fridge magnets, all you need is some adhesive magnetic tape on the back.
Photo: Learning and Exploring Through Play
32. Painting with Tools
Using tools to paint is such a fun idea, you can use whatever tools you have. Which means you can choose tools that suit the age and capabilities of your kids.
Photo: Happily Ever Mom
33. Fireworks Salt Painting
It’s amazing how many different ways you can encourage your kids to explore their creative side. Salt is wonderfully absorptive and makes an easy fireworks art idea for toddlers and preschoolers.
Photo: Finding Myself Young
34. Scrape Painted Rainbows
Use cardboard to scrape rainbows across a page. This is an easy process art activity that only requires a bit of paint and things out of your recycling.
Photo: Learning and Exploring Through Play
35. Bubble Painting
Kids love bubbles. Try mixing a bit of food coloring into the bubble mixture and create some colorful bubble painting.
Photo: Happiness is Homemade
36. Pulled String Art
I love string pulled art because it looks just beautiful. But the best part is that it is actually really easy to do. Even very young kids can join in on the fun.
Photo: Tinkerlab
37. Rainbow Marble Painting Process Art
Marble painting is another golden oldie that will never go out of style. Dip some marbles in paint and create patterns as they roll around the page.
Photo: Preschool Inspirations
38. Puffy Paint
Looking for fabulous kids art ideas? This puffy paint recipe is such a fun way to create art that becomes 3D after you microwave it for 30 seconds.
Photo: Happy Hooligans
39. Citrus Painting
Using citrus fruit to paint is fantastic fun. This is a great way to explore healthy eating while also trying a bit of process art.
Photo: Rhythms of Play
40. Swing Painting Process Art
How cool is this idea? Use the swing to make some process art. This is also a fantastic activity to try some problem solving. What happens when you swing higher and faster? Do the patterns change?
Photo: Homegrown Friends
41. Ocean Process Art
Create an ocean or a fishbowl during your next art lessons. Mimic the movement of the waves to help spread the blue paint around before adding some little fish.
Photo: Play to Learn Preschool
42. Wind and Rain Process Art
Explore the weather with your early childhood class. Use your own lungs to mimic the wind and create this raindrop art.
Photo: Play to Learn Preschool
43. Shake Process Art
Use some plastic eggs to make process art ideas for kids. Cover the easter eggs in paint and shake them around in a box with paper. This is a fun way to shake out some art and some energy.
Photo: Play to Learn Preschool
44. Watercolor Moon
Use watercolor paint to make some moon art. This kids art idea is very simple and perfect if you are doing outer space themed lessons.
Photo: 3 Dinosaurs
45. Doily Painting Process Art
When you try fun process art activities, sometimes all you need to do is find a different kind of canvas. Something different to paint on. Painting on a doily is an easy idea to try with a whole class.
Photo: Tinkerlab
46. Process Art with Dots
Try creating art using only dots. Pointillism is a fun project that toddlers and preschoolers can try for themselves.
Photo: Powerful Mothering
47. Funnel Painting
Funnel painting is an easy process art idea that you can try at home. How will the different colors spread as they go through the funnel?
Photo: Still Playing School
48. Pinecone Painting
Use pinecones to create some fantastic kids arts and crafts. Painting with pinecones, or using them as a canvas are both easy process art ideas to try with toddlers and preschoolers.
Photo: No Time for Flashcards
49. Colored Sand Process Art
Using colored sand is an easy art project to try with toddlers and preschoolers. You could also try this idea using colored salt. All you need to do is mix food coloring and salt together before letting it dry.
Photo: Homegrown Friends
50. Snow Printing
Spread some paint on top of snow and press a piece of paper down on top. You’ll create a fun snow print picture that will make the next snowy day so much fun.
Photo: Still Playing School
51. Magnetic Painting
Use the power of magnets to create some fun art. Place some tempera paint, and nuts and bolts on a paper plate. Then use a magnet to move the nuts and bolts around using the magnet and the paint will move with it.
Photo: Little Bins for Little Hands
52. Plastic Wrap and Watercolor Paint
Have you tried covering watercolor art with plastic wrap? As it dries it’ll create lovely lines and patterns where the plastic is in contact with the paper. Most of the time when you’re trying process art ideas for kids, kitchen items are all you need.
Photo: Buggy and Buddy
53. Recycled Shapes Art
Rifle through your recycling and grab a whole lot of containers that are of a different shape. Use these to make shape prints on colorful paper.
Photo: Mosswood Connections
54. Paper Strip Process Art
Collect a variety of collage materials to make easy art with your toddlers and preschoolers. Just using strips of paper, you can make so many different pictures.
Photo: Play to Learn Preschool
55. Cardboard Box and Crayons
If you ever have any cardboard boxes lying around, make sure you let the kids play with them before throwing them out. One simple idea is to give your kids a box of crayons and let them turn the cardboard box into whatever they want.
Photo: And Next Comes L
56. Outdoor Process Art with Colored Salt
Take your process art projects outside and make some amazing pavement art. Use colored salt to make art, like this method inspired by Motoi Yamaoto.
Photo: Buggy and Buddy
57. Glue and Watercolor
This is such a fun and unique arts and crafts for kids idea that I can’t wait to try. Place globs of glue and watercolors together and see what happens. You can spread the mixture around using fingers, string, or anything else you can think of.
Photo: Tinkerlab
58. Smushed Clay Art
This is such a fantastic way to develop fine motor skills. Take different colored clay and smush it all over the page. How will it spread? Will it stick to the page? Will the colors mix a bit if you try?
Photo: Homegrown Friends
59. Sunshine Process Art
Make some sunshine right at home with this sun process art idea. This is a great way to create and keep things relatively mess free at the same time.
Photo: Play To Learn Preschool
60. Painting with Droppers
Use droppers/pipettes to create colorful art. Things such as coffee filters, watercolor paper and other absorptive materials are perfect for some dropper painting.
Photo: Buggy and Buddy
61. Nature Paint Brushes
I love how you can create new tools to paint with, using items in your own backyard. Here they made nature paint brushes using sticks and tied different leaves and flowers to them. However, using clothespins instead of sticks to secure the flowers would work wonderfully too.
Photo: Messy Little Monster
62. Woodworking with Toddlers
Create art by giving your kids a variety of materials to explore with. Wood scraps from the workbench is another fabulous example of items you can use to create with. With this idea, even toddlers and preschoolers can start trying woodworking.
Photo: Meri Cherry
63. Painting on Plastic
This is one of my favorite process art ideas for kids, especially young children. Hang a sheet of plastic, like a shower curtain, up and let the kids paint. Using plastic to paint on is great for a group project when you’re in the classroom.
Photo: Merri Cherry
Are you going to try any of these Process Art Ideas for Kids?
Don’t forget to pin the idea for later.
More Play Based Learning for Kids
