This is a collaborative post. All opinions are my own.

When Ben and I were dating, one of our favorite things to do together was paint. We'd sit side by side, peacefully working on our canvases and chatting occasionally. Our works of art weren't exactly masterpieces, but they were fun to create. It's been a long time since we painted together (with little kids, it's not exactly like we have hours to sit down and dabble with art just for fun), but I've been inspired to restart some creative hobbies that we can do with our kids. Here are some painting ideas to build memories with little budding artists.

Abstracts

Abstract art is a great way to get kids started with painting, for obvious reasons. There are no limits, no parameters and whatever you splash on the canvas goes. Having fun with colors and textures and playing around with techniques is part of what makes abstract art so enjoyable. Choose a canvas size and a color palette that works for your gallery wall or mantel, so you can actually put your kids artwork up in a main living space instead of hiding it away in storage. It'll make them feel super proud every time they walk by.

Painting Objects

Not every kind of art has to be on paper or canvas. You can have fun painting all sorts of objects, like a ceramic mug for Father's Day, wood beads for a necklace for grandma, or painted rocks to decorate your front porch. Painting practical objects turns them into special, heartfelt, one-of-a-kind gifts. Just make sure you choose paint that works with whatever medium you’re choosing!

Finger Paints

Painting doesn’t always have to involve a brush, either. Finger painting is not only fun, but it’s a great way to relieve stress. Something about getting your fingers into the cool, squishy paint is so satisfying. It’s also a great way to really tap into creativity without worrying about a piece of art being “perfect”. For kids, I recommend setting up the project outside in the grass, and putting them in old clothes you don't care about (or if they're young enough, just let them run around in a diaper).

Easy Landscapes

If your kids want to create more realistic art, set them up for success to build their confidence. Watercolor is great for easy landscapes; it's not terribly messy and is pretty forgiving of mistakes. To start with, try scenes like sunsets and beaches where the colors can blend into each other and they don't have to be too precise. When they're ready for scenes with more fine detail, there are plenty of guides and tutorials they can watch for ideas and help with technique.

No matter what project you choose, painting is a rewarding, enriching and fun activity that you can enjoy solo or with the whole family. Instilling a love of art is always a good idea. Let creativity and joy reign! 

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