Introducing your kids to the realm of creativity and artistic expression can include fun activities such as paint by number, spin painting, body painting, splatter painting, and watercolor resist art. 

Painting is more than just making attractive images (although that is undoubtedly a pleasure!) It serves as a springboard for the growth of your child's cognitive, emotional, and physical abilities. 

In this article, we'll look at a variety of painting ideas for kids of any age or skill level. This post is perfect for you if your child is an experienced artist or just someone who wishes to encourage their child's creative development. 

1. Paint by number

If you're looking for a fun painting idea for kids with some structure, paint by number is the ideal option. Children can make lovely works of art by filling in numbered portions with the corresponding colors using Paint by number kits.

All you need is a Paint by number kit that has a pre-drawn outline, numbered sections, and a set of paints or markers to get started. A number that corresponds to a particular color is used to identify each section of the outline.

Here's how it works: 

• Fill in each part by simply matching the numbers on the outline with the relevant colors. Your kid will gradually reveal a gorgeous image that comes to life with vibrant colors as they work their way through the painting.
• Kids may express their creativity while learning patience, fine motor skills, control, and color awareness with Paint by number. They feel a sense of success as they finish each area and watch the artwork come to life before their eyes.

You may also like: Is Painting by Numbers Good for Mental Health? (Explained!)

2. Spin painting

Have you ever used a salad spinner to create spin art? Trust us—it's incredibly simple and a ton of fun! 

All you need is a salad spinner, some paper cut to size (you could also use paper plates or even coffee filters), and paint, of course. Additionally, a little muscle might be helpful, depending on the salad spinner's design.

Let's get started with the instructions.

• First, gather your art project supplies. Then, if necessary, cut your paper to fit the salad spinner. Covering your workspace is a good idea because this art project has a tendency to get a little messy.
• When your paper is safely within the salad spinner, add paint by using a spoon or paintbrush to apply a few different hues of paint to it. 
• A different option is to dispense the paint straight from the bottle onto the paper. Use your imagination when choosing paint colors here!
• The excitement grows as you get ready to spin your creation! How will the design turn out in the end? Watch the colors spread and meld as they create a beautiful pattern as you spin the salad spinner.

Every spin painting is a unique piece of art. Take a moment to admire the dazzling hues and complex designs that have resulted in spin art from the spinning process.

3. Body painting

Let your child's creativity shine with the exciting and interactive fun art activity of Body Painting! Children can use body painting to turn themselves into moving works of art by utilizing safe, washable paints.

Body painting requires a willing participant (your child!) as well as child-safe paints made expressly for use on the skin, brushes, or sponges for application.

To get started with body painting, do the following:

• Gather brushes or sponges for application and child-safe paints designed exclusively for use on the skin. 
• Prepare a special space for your creative painting activities, and make sure you have a willing participant (your kid!) who is prepared to take pleasure in the art activity too.
• Help your kid pick a design or theme for their body painting experience. They are free to let their imaginations run wild or draw inspiration from their favorite characters or natural surroundings. 
• Apply the paint to their skin using the brushes or sponges once they have a concept in mind. 
• While guiding them as necessary, give them the flexibility to express themselves and try out various paint colors and brush techniques.
• If desired, your youngster can use glitter, stickers, craft paint, or stencils to give their body painting more flair. This allows them to customize and fully personalize their designs.

Remember to take pictures of your child's amazing body painting design. It's a great method to demonstrate their artistic abilities and retain their memories.

You may also like: 7 Drawing Exercises To Pass The Time

4. Splatter painting

Folks, this is a messy one, but it will be so much fun! 

Using splatters, drips, and flicks of paint, kids may create vivid and abstract works of art. 

Here's how to get them interested in the thrilling world of splatter painting: 

• You'll need a canvas, thick paper, or even an old sheet to cover your workplace from paint splatters before you can begin splatter painting. 
• Collect several different colored paints, brushes, or other equipment that you can use to make paint splatters. 
• It’s a good idea to keep some old clothes or aprons on hand to shield your child's clothing from any accidental paint spills.
• Now, it's time to unleash your creativity! Encourage your kid to experiment with different splattering methods by dipping their brushes into the paint. 
• To create patterns and textures, they can flick the brush, tap it on a stick, or even use their hands. 
• After you've finished splatter painting, let the piece dry. You can proudly hang up their works of art or even string them together using clothespins to form a gallery.

Remind them that there are no right or wrong ways to splatter paint; rather, the key is to embrace the process's impulsive and unpredictable character.

Your kid will enjoy themselves while improving their hand-eye coordination and fine motor abilities as they spatter paint. Splatter painting inspires them to let go of perfection and embrace the delight of unrestricted creation. 

Each piece of art will be unique, dynamic, and expressive of the child's individual artistic style. 

5. Watercolor resist art

This captivating painting technique will have your child creating amazing works of art that will astound everyone. They can access a world of cryptic patterns and brilliant hues and end up with bold paintings with just a few basic items and a little creativity.

For this artistic adventure, do the following: 

• Gather the necessary materials: watercolor paints, heavyweight paper or watercolor paper, a dependable paintbrush, and a resist tool, such as enigmatic white crayons or ethereal wax candles.
• Applying the resist will let your child express their creative energy on the canvas. They will apply the resist to specific spots, forming a secret code that will withstand the watercolors' vibrant allure.
• Watch as the colors dance across the paper as you moisten the paintbrush and call forth the brilliant watercolors. Except for the regions shielded by the resist substance, the watercolors will freely cover the entire canvas. 
• When the colors and patterns come to life and show their hidden beauty in a dizzying display of contrasts, it is a riveting sight to witness.
• After their masterpiece is complete, a moment of anticipation awaits. Your child will carefully rub or peel off the resist medium, revealing what's hidden beneath. 

It's a magical reveal similar to finding a hidden treasure.

6. Finger painting

There's something truly magical about the sensation of paint on your fingertips and the freedom to just create art without any brushes or tools. Children can express themselves in vivid, tactile ways through the sensory experience of finger painting.

Here’s how:

• You'll need a sizable piece of paper or a canvas, non-toxic, washable paints or food coloring in a range of colors, and finger painting supplies to get started. 
• Lay down a protective covering or pick a spot that you don't mind messing up. 
• Encourage your kid to explore the various textures and colors by dipping their fingers into the paint. They can blend the colors on the paper or even on their hands for a stunning effect.
• Once their masterpiece is complete, allow the artwork to dry completely. 

Children are free to play with different painting techniques, including swirling, dotting, smearing, and even leaving handprints. Remember, it's the process and exploration that matter most, not the end result.

You can exhibit their finger-painted works with pride or even transform them into custom greeting cards, bookmarks, or framed works of art.

7. Foam brush painting

This unique painting technique combines brilliant acrylic, or tempera paints with the silky feel of foam brushes to produce breathtaking artwork. 

So how do you get started with this foam brush painting adventure?

• Create a pleasant workspace with safety coverings to start. 
• Grab your preferred acrylic or tempera paints and a set of foam brushes in varying sizes. 
• Try out various methods by dipping the foam brush into the paint. Your child can use the foam brush to create bold paintings, large strokes for a solid backdrop, soft dabs for a textured appearance, or layer colors to mix them.
• Encourage creativity by mixing hues, experimenting with brush sizes, and utilizing additional equipment or methods in addition to the foam brush. 

Allow your child to fully express themselves and take pleasure in the fun sensory experience of painting with foam brushes.

8. Salt painting

This fun painting activity will undoubtedly inspire creativity in your kids. A solid piece of paper, glue, watercolors, and yes, SALT are all the things you'll need. 

Here is how you can achieve this:

• On the paper, draw a design with a pen and then use glue to trace the lines. 
• When the glue has dried, sprinkle salt over it before adding watercolors. 
• Give the painting time to dry thoroughly.
• Once it’s dry, lightly brush off the extra salt to reveal the beautiful patterns and textures the salt crystals left behind. 
• Your child's salt painting is now ready to be displayed and admired! 

In addition to being entertaining and creative, salt painting teaches young kids all about texture and the special interaction between salt and paint.

9. Q-tip painting

Q-tip painting is a great art activity that you can do with your kid that encourages creativity and fine motor skills. They can produce stunning and complex art designs that are sure to impress with just a few simple materials. 

Here's how to get started on the colorful art adventure of Q-tip painting:

• Start an easy art project by getting a set of Q-tips and a palette of colorful colors. 
• Give your child a canvas, watercolor paper, or a sturdy piece of paper to use for their artistic endeavors.
• Apply the appropriate paint color to the Q-tip's tip. Encourage your child to experiment with various painting methods, such as dotting, swirling, or even making tiny strokes, using the Q-tip.
• They can experiment with combining colors or making complex designs using cotton balls.

Let your child's creativity shine as they use Q-tips as brushes to paint and produce one-of-a-kind works of art. They can add delicate details to their art projects because the Q-tip's fine tip allows for exact control.

10. Ice painting

This is one of the best painting ideas, and it's an excellent painting project for a hot summer day. 

Here is how to do it:

• Pick up an ice cube tray, fill it with washable paint and water, then freeze it until firm. 
• Give your kids the ice cubes once you've popped them out, and let them use them to paint themselves on paper or even outside! 
• As the ice melts, it will release vibrant colors onto the paper or canvas, creating beautiful patterns and blending effects.

Each painting is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece because of the surprise aspect that the melting process brings to the artwork.

11. Acrylic paint pouring

This activity is a simple and enjoyable way to use unusual color combinations to quickly and easily produce abstract paintings without the need for any brushstrokes. It is a wonderful spring art project! 

You'll need a canvas or piece of paper, some acrylic or tempera paints, and a little clear cup for this exciting painting activity. 

In accordance with the product's instructions, here is what to do:

• Mix the acrylic paints with the pouring medium. 
• Encourage your child to try out various color ratios and combinations to get the desired results.
• Once the paint is mixed, it's time to pour! 

Your child can apply the paint to the canvas in a variety of ways, such as directly onto the canvas and manipulating the colors with tilting and swirling motions or by making a puddle in the center and tilting the canvas to allow the liquid paint to flow.

Watch in awe as the colors blend and interact with each other, creating beautiful and unexpected patterns!

Takeaway: Unleash your child's inner artist today by getting them engaged in fun painting activities for kids

So there you have it! Eleven simple and enjoyable painting ideas any child can easily pull off. 

Splatter painting, watercolor resist art, foam brush painting, salt painting, Q-tip painting, ice painting, and acrylic paint pouring all provide interesting opportunities to try new colors, textures, and techniques.

So get out your paints, brushes, and canvases and start creating while watching the magic unfold as your creativity soars, colors meld, and magnificent works of art come to life. 

If you allow your child to express their imagination through paintbrush strokes, you never know—you might just discover a budding artist.

And that’s not all!

You can make their remarkable artwork stand out with a custom canvas from Paint Your Numbers. With our range of options, your child's masterpiece can become a treasured keepsake, ready for display.