This unique painting activity uses a cardboard canvas and a variety of fine motor tools. Extend a painting activity by inviting kids to draw pictures on their masterpieces with simple paint tools!

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Do your preschoolers love getting up to their elbows in finger painting?  Kids certainly don't seem to mind the mess as much as the grownups do.

But if we prep the area - and the artist! - painting sessions can be as much fun for grownups as they are for kids. 

Related: Tips for Mess-Free Painting Sessions

This painting and drawing activity is a fun way to let kids get create. It combines a paint brush and a drawing tool, focusing on the process and not the product.

• A process art activity encourages hands-on engagement without a final result or product to achieve. Kids have the freedom to create while they enjoy a fun sensory experience.

How to set up a painting and drawing activity

Cover the work area with a drop cloth.

• This could be an old bed sheet or shower curtain. We used a sheet of clear plastic left over from a renovation project. Plastic may have to be taped to the table surface to keep it from sliding around. 

Cover clothing with a paint apron or paint shirt.

Use Kids Washable Paints.

• Washable paints are perfect for kids painting activities, since they easily wash off hands and brushes in sudsy water. Bonus: Washing up is just another fun sensory experience!
  
  

Supplies for a painting activity
 

Cardboard canvas

Paint brushes

Washable craft paint

• Here are some options for homemade paint and homemade painting tools.

Paint tools from the kitchen or craft box (read on for fun options)

Instructions for a painting activity

Squeeze a few blobs of various paint colors onto the cardboard canvas.

Paint the canvas with a brush or fingers!

• If this is intended as a finger painting activity, get some great tips for finger painting from No Time for Flash Cards.
  
  

Draw on the painted canvas with paint tools.

When the paint colors are mixed, you can draw pictures in the paint with other paint tools.

For example, use the end of a paint brush opposite to the bristles. Draw shapes and designs in the paint while it is still wet. 

• Since it was close to Valentine's Day when we did the activity, we made heart shapes for a Valentine theme!

Try some other drawing tools:  feather  -  cotton swab  -  craft stick.

Erase all or part of your picture.

Simply swipe over the drawing with your paint brush, or spread the paint around with your hands!

Drawing with paint tools can only be done while the paint is wet. Add a dab of paint now and then, if needed, to keep the surface from drying out. 

Paint and draw with fun paint tools

What other paint tools can you find around the house or in the toy box?

Think outside the box by using everyday items in new ways. Then get up to your elbows in painting with this easy painting and drawing activity.

Once you have the masterpiece you want, allow the paint to dry and enjoy the result.

More ways to paint!

Paint with ice cubes.

Paint with wood blocks.

Paint with pumpkin pieces.

Painting activities from other kid-friendly bloggers!

Painting with Feet from Home Grown Friends

Painting activities from Learning 4 Kids.

Salt Painting from Mess for Less

 Visit our Painting Activities Pinterest board for more fun ideas.