Rainbow Splat Painting
A fun process art project for kids, this Splat Rainbow Painting for Kids is a great way to use up leftover paints and a fun activity to try after reading Mix It Up!
Splat Painting Craft
One of Ella’s favorite books when she was little was Mix It Up by Herve Tullet, a fun and interactive book that introduces kids to color mixing.
We have a whole collection of Mix It Up activities here which we’re going to add this splatter craft painting to.
Ella loved getting to create her own splatter painting! Kids can either add small drops or splats of paint from a full bottle (like we did) or you can use almost-empty bottles of paint or even paint pipettes to prevent kids from adding too much paint on their canvas.
Kids can then use their fingers or a paintbrush to smoosh the colors around and mix them up.
After covering her whole canvas, Ella truly embraced the process art aspect of this project and decided to see what would happen if she rinsed off her canvas. It resulted in a fun, washed-out look that isn’t as vibrant but she was very happy with it. If you decide to do this part, you can use a metallic or bold paint color to add your child’s name (or a fun, new design) over the splatter painting to add even more visual interest.
More Process Art Projects for Kids
- String Painting Process Art
- Starry Night STEAM Art Project with Borax Crystal Stars
- Snipped Yarn Rainbow Art Craft from Stay at Home Educator
- Painting Rainbow Roses
- Garden Wind Chimes
- Melted Crayon Drip Rain Cloud
- Starfish Art Project
- Rainbow Fish Scratch Art
Splat Painting Materials
- Canvas
- Paint in Variety of Rainbow Colors
- Paintbrush
- Paint Pipettes
Tip: I highly recommend grabbing a couple of these sturdy plastic lunch trays (we have one in the pictures in this post). I use these for almost all of our craft or kitchen activities, as well as in our Montessori practical life activities. Ours have lasted for over 6 years and are still going strong, plus they are so great for containing messes and allowing the kids to set a project to the side while it dries (or if you have to clear off the table for supper).
How to Make a Splat Painting
Place your clean canvas on a tray or protected surface.
Squeeze small amounts of paint in a random pattern all over the canvas, in a variety of colors, leaving plenty of white space for blending. Try to avoid placing drops of the same colors beside each other.
Use your brush to stipple each color, pushing the paint out as far as it can reach. Do each color individually, washing your paintbrush well in between each color.
The colors will mix slightly where they meet, which adds to the effect of this painting.
When you are done, you can allow the paint to dry, as-is, or rinse the canvas under water for a washed out effect, like we did.
Allow paint (and water) to dry fully before hanging or displaying.
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Grab your free printable instructions for our splat painting activity:
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Rainbow Splat Painting
The kids will love getting to make their own splat rainbow painting! A fun process art project that explores color mixing and is a great way to use up leftover paint.
Materials
- Canvas
- Paint in Variety of Rainbow Colors
Tools
- Paintbrush
- Paint Pipettes
Instructions
- Place your clean canvas on a tray or protected surface.
- Squeeze small amounts of paint in a random pattern all over the canvas, in a variety of colors, leaving plenty of white space for blending. Try to avoid placing drops of the same colors beside each other.
- Use your brush to stipple each color, pushing the paint out as far as it can reach. Do each color individually, washing your paintbrush well in between each color.
- The colors will mix slightly where they meet, which adds to the effect of this painting.
- When you are done, you can allow the paint to dry, as-is, or rinse the canvas under water for a washed out effect, like we did.
- Allow paint (and water) to dry fully before hanging or displaying.
Recommended Products
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Apple Barrel PROMOABI Matte Finish Acrylic Craft Paint Set Designed for Beginners and Artists, Non-Toxic Formula that works on All Surfaces, Assorted Colors 1, 18 Count
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200PCS 3ml Disposable Plastic Transfer Pipettes, Moveland Calibrated Dropper Suitable for Essential Oils & Science Laboratory
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Paintigo Acrylic Paint Pens,12 Colors, Water-Based, Permanent & Waterproof Ink, 0.7mm Extra Fine Tip, Ideal for Rock Painting, Fabric, Wood, Glass, Metal, Ceramic, Porcelain, Canvas, Mug, DIY Crafts.
I hope your kids love getting to make their own splatter paintings – I’d love to see what they come up with!
For more fun kids’ craft ideas, check out our full collection here: