An “Invitation to Paint” is an open-ended process art for kids activity designed to encourage your child to stretch their creative thinking and problem solving skills.
Open invitations to paint are low prep for you and don’t require expensive art materials. In fact, you most likely have all the materials needed to get started today.
What I also love about invitations to paint is that this type of open ended art activity works well when working with different ages of children or skill levels.
The emphasis of the project is on the creation rather than the end result.
So, if you are working with multiple children it is a good way to help every child feel successful in their artwork and build self confidence.
HOW TO SET UP AN OPEN INVITATION TO CREATE:
It is really quite simple….lay out the materials and then move out of the way to let your child create.
As I stated above, it is important that you have no expected outcome for the project.
There is no right or wrong answer for the project. Let your child experiment, try new materials and explore how to make marks in a new way.
Below is our tutorial on how to prep an open invitation to paint with apples for your child!
Materials:
Apples (slice in half)
Fork
Washable Paint
Paper
Plastic Tray (Something to lay the paint and apples on)
Plastic Cutting Mat (optional, but this is what we use to protect the table and make a clean up a breeze).
Invitation to Paint with Apples
Step 1: Arrange the materials in an inviting way for your artist to explore and make prints!
PARENT TIP: Insert the fork into the rounded side of the apple and use it as a handle to paint with the apple.
Step 2: Stand back and let your child create and experiment with different ways to paint. There is no right or wrong way to do this painting activity.
Your child may stamp the apple up and down or use the apple to paint like a paint brush.
Remember, what is important is the process or creating of the artwork NOT the end result.
Step 3: Ask your child open-ended questions to stretch their creative thinking.
If you are looking for more playful ways to paint with your child. Sign up for our online mini-workshop. It’s free and we walk you through step by step different fun and engaging ways to paint with your child.
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