Process Art for Kids

Process art for me is the creation of something, anything where the focus is in the process rather than the end product. 

As adults we tend to want a child to create something that “makes sense”, things that look like something, like a snowman or a flower. There’s nothing wrong with that, but there is an alternative: Process Art!

In process art you can give a child any tools and let them create the things that they want. The important thing is to provide the child an opportunity to explore, experiment and use their imagination. Sensory things are often a big part of process art, the child gets to feel and learn something new with the materials used. Below are some examples of fun process art experiments. 

About paints in the below examples:

I recommend using fairly runny acrylic paints such as poster paint. If you only have thick paint available, add a bit of water to make it runny. The paints have very full colour like this and therefore more visible to use for potential crafts after too 😉 

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Process Art (part 1) – Unusual painting tools

Normally you use a paint brush or a sponge to make a painting craft with, right? What if you used everything else but those traditional things?

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For example; cotton swab, yarn, bbq stick, scrunched up newspaper, cupcake form, strips. Anything you find at home really! 

You also need: 

• Paper 
• Paints (runny acrylic gives best result)
• Work tray

You want to start by putting on an apron and placing some protection on the table the child is working at. Give the child(ren) the unusual painting tools and ask them to make art! If they struggle to get going, show them an example and gently guide them towards the magic of creation. Let the child take their time trying, testing, exploring, experimenting, wondering and making a mess!  

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Making marks by pressing and rolling (part 2)

You need: 

• Toys* 
• Paints (runny acrylic gives best result) 
• Paper 
• Work tray

*Choose such toys that can be rolled / driven or that have a fun shape. The toys will be covered in paint, so pick ones where it doesn’t matter 😉

Place the paints for example on paper plates where it is easy for the child to get the wheels and toys in the paint. Place the paints and toys so that they are easily in reach for the child and then let them create different marks on the paper. 

Let the child focus on their process!

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Box art (part 3)

You need: 

• An empty box (f.ex. An empty cereal box)
• Paints (runny acrylic gives best result)
• Toys*
• Cover bag

*Pick such toys that are ok to be covered in paint

Let the child choose the toys they want, start with two and see how it goes 😉

Let the child choose paints and pour them in. A good squeeze from a paint bottle will do, you don’t want it too wet but not too dry either. Approximately three tablespoons of each paint will make nice marks. 

Close the box with paint and then cover with a plastic or paper bag so that the paint does not fly around. 

Allow the child to shake the box as they please – this is the super fun bit! 

Open the box together and see if you like what you see. If you so choose, you can put other toys in or add some paint and shake some more! 

When satisfied, let the paint dry. When dry, cut the box open and admire the beautiful marks and art!