9 Process Art Activities to Inspire Creativity in Kids

Ah, your pint-sized Picasso never wants to put down the finger paints. He’s all about getting artsy, and you totally want to help him with it. But instead of always making a painting to hang on the fridge or a popsicle stick frame to put your family photos in, let your creative kiddo explore, experiment, and make his very own crafty discoveries. In other words, let your child make absolutely nothing at all. Explore the world of kids’ process art with these nine fun activities.

Obliteration Room

This completely colorful process art experience begins with Yayoi Kusama’s “Obliteration Room” art installation. Recreate the experience for your little one with a blank canvas and a few (okay, more than a few) stickers. (via Here Come the Girls Blog)

Painting With Liquid Watercolors and Droppers

There’s no one “right” way to paint. Put down the brush, pick up the dropper, and give your tot the time of their life with this colorfully creative process activity. (via Buggy and Buddy)

Exploring Paint and Textures

Surprise your little artist by making a totally textured paint. There’s no end to the ways he can create with a palette of chunky, smooth, and lumpy temperas in front of him. (via Mosswood Connections)

Painting With Yarn

This process art exploration once again takes the brush out of the equation and gives your mini something pretty special to paint with instead. (via Buggy and Buddy)

Painting With Flowers

If your preschooler loved painting with yarn, droppers, and other non-brush items, try going the natural route; swap out those brushes for flowers! (via Here Come the Girls Blog)

Rain Art

Rain in the forecast? Turn a gloomy day on its head with this kid-friendly science-meets-art experiment. (via Hands on As We Grow)

Clay and Tempera Finger Paint

Soft modeling clay can behave very much like finger paint when you want it to. Pull it into pieces and have your child spread it out, finger paint-style. Then break out the temperas and let your little artist really go to town. (via Mini Monets and Mommies)

Painting With Spatulas

Cooking isn’t the only thing that can happen in the kitchen — there’s plenty of room for art-making too. Grab a spatula, designate it as your child’s painting paddle, and let them get to work. (via My Bored Toddler)

Frozen Glitter Paint

Science and art combine with a special sparkle here. Freeze a few tablespoons of water, a drop or two of food coloring, and a pinch (or five) of glitter. (via Mini Monets and Mommies)