Fun Art Project Activity to Explore Paint Brushes

Today we are talking about a kids art idea that is part observation, part exploration and part art project that works for kids of all ages especially those just being introduced to art. This simple brush painting activity is an easy art project for home or in the classroom.

Brush Painting Projects for Kids

When children are painting they’re learning to express themselves. Selecting colors and deciding where to place paint on the paper is about communicating how they feel and think and builds a child’s confidence in their own choices and opinions.

Related: How to make watercolor paint

When kids explore art hands on through brush painting, they learn so much more than how to move a brush with paint:

• The sensory nature of  the actual process of painting is beneficial too, being both relaxing and stimulating, and can be a great activity to help children manage their emotions.
• Kids also develop fine motor skills while painting. Smaller paint brushes require a steadier hand and more coordination. Larger paint brushes can work for more gross motor movements.
• To promote an interest in art and painting and to keep encouraging new creativity it’s great to offer different materials to try out.

Related: How to make paint

Exploring paint brushes with Kids

A fun beginner brush painting art project starts with gathering as many different paint brushes as we could find. Try to vary your paintbrush supplies! In fact, it is best if you don’t have just a new set of brushes, but some older brushes and worn out brushes that will have different textures and shapes.

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Supplies Needed for Brush Painting Exploration

• Paint brushes of different sizes: from super fine art brushes to wide decorators brushes
• Paint brushes of different shapes: including rounded ends, wide flat brushes and angled ends
• Paint brushes of different textures: with some coarse bristles, some fine and some sponges too
• Acrylic paint
• Canvas or paper
• Bowl of water
• Something to cover your painting surface

Directions for Brush Painting with Kids

Step 1 – Prepare

Then we covered the table with some long rolls of lining paper and the children started exploring.

Step 2 – Explore & Experiment

• How did each brush feel in their hands?
• What lines and shapes could they create?
• Did the paint make different patterns with different brushes?
• Which ones were best for drawing characters and which ones were suited to creating the backgrounds?

Step 3 – Reflect

The results were glorious! All sorts of different patterns and textures and shapes. The children enjoyed the whole process of the paint brush experiments but also learned some new ideas about which kind of brushes they’ll want to choose for their next projects too.

Related: Looking for more art project ideas?

My kids love art but I’ve also seen how a new set of materials can catch the interest of kids who aren’t usually so keen to paint and invite them to have a go. If you try out some painting this week we’d love to see what you create.

Tell us about your paint brush experience with kids!