How to Teach Children to Paint

Teach children to paint, and you will offer them a world of creativity that can last a life time. Start when children are young, and they will not feel the sting of criticism, but rather, will grow confident in their ability.

Things You'll Need

  • Cardboard
  • Paint of any type
  • Brushes of any size
  • Rags
  • Large shirts as smocks to cover kid's clothes.
  • Tarp

Instructions

    • 1

      When you decide to teach a child to paint, don't base the venture on your experience. Just have fun with it, and let the child learn from your willingness to teach. Or, your willingness to make mistakes. You don't have to be good, you just have to be there. And wherever 'there' is, put down a tarp-this can get messy.

    • 2

      Use cardboard or wood that would otherwise be disposed of for the first few projects. After donning a smock, or a large shirt from Dad's closet, instruct the child to pick a paint color that will be the background. The entire cardboard or wood should be painted with this color, or a mixture of colors.

    • 3

      After the first paint has dried somewhat, help the child decide what they want to do next. Paint a flower? A puppy? It doesn't matter. Let the young artist know there will be plenty of paint days in their future-this is just the beginning.

    • 4

      Teaching your child to paint shouldn't be too expensive. Think about investing a little in some paint supplies for future endeavors. Royal and Langnickel offers a art supply kit that is great for beginners or seasoned artists. See www.royalbrush.com. One of the best ideas we have seen is called the Artist Acrylic Paint Essential Keep N' Carry Set, pictured here. This includes 6 acrylic paint with a Taklon brush, and other goodies in a zip up kit that is easy to carry from one project to the next. Other brands are available at Walmart, or Target. We have some art supply kits purchased from Sam's that were $20, and include acrylics, oils, brushes, reusable palettes, and pastels.

    • 5

      Once the child has completed a masterpiece, display it with pride in an area they spend time in, such as their room. Be sure to have more paint days, eventually explaining some color theory, or art history. For other art ideas, see www.michaels.com

    • 6

      For a thrifty way to create artwork, teach your child to paint using paint left from remodeling projects. Such paints work nearly as well as more expensive paints. Also, a pack of small paint brushes from Lowe's, which costs around $3.00, may work as well as name brand items.

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