A fly swatter instead of a paintbrush? Absolutely! Who says you can only paint with a brush and your hand? Have you ever tried fly swatter painting? Now’s the chance to explore an awesome painting art project with easy materials. We love simple and do-able process art for kids!

HOW TO PAINT WITH A FLY SWATTER

Pin

WHAT IS PROCESS ART?

A process art activity is more about the making and the doing, rather than the finished product. The point of process art is to help kids explore. Explore their environment, explore their tools, even explore their minds. Process artists see art as pure human expression.

If process art isn’t something you’re familiar with, make it easy! Focus on open-ended art, with more attention paid to how the art is created as opposed to what the art looks like.

Start easy with using simple art supplies like watercolor, crayons, markers. Tools that are already familiar to both you and your kids will make the activity more fun!

This fly swatter painting activity below is an awesome example of process art. Great for toddlers to preschoolers, who may still be developing fine motor skills and find a normal paint brush challenging.

Pin

WHY DO ART WITH KIDS?

Children are naturally curious. They observe, explore, and imitate, trying to figure out how things work and how to control themselves and their environments. This freedom of exploration helps children form connections in their brain, it helps them learn—and it’s also fun!

Art is a natural activity to support this essential interaction with the world. Kids need the freedom to explore and experiment creatively.

Art allows children to practice a wide range of skills that are useful not only for life but also for learning. These include the aesthetic, scientific, interpersonal, and practical interactions that can be discovered through the senses, intellect, and emotions.

Making and appreciating art involves emotional and mental faculties!

Art, whether making it, learning about it, or simply looking at it – offers a wide range of important experiences. In other words, it’s good for them!

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE 7 DAYS OF ART ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS!

FLY SWATTER PAINTING

This activity is best completed as an outdoor activity. Then paint can splash splatter onto nearby surroundings. Also check out more painting ideas for toddlers!

SUPPLIES:

  • Washable craft paint (purple, pink, green, blue) 
  • Large white poster board 
  • Fly swatters 
  • Paint clothes or smock
  • Optional: clear safety goggles (to avoid paint splashing in eyes) 
  • Two clothespins  

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1. Place the poster board on a flat surface outside. 

Pin

STEP 2. Pour a desired amount of each color of paint onto the poster board. 

Pin

STEP 3. Have the child use the flyswatter to swat at the paint.

Pin

STEP 4. Continue doing this as often as the child seems interested! Try to cover the entire poster board with color if possible. Add more paint if desired if the child wants to continue painting. 

Pin

STEP 5. Display the painting outdoors on the fence using clothespins until dry! Or, set aside somewhere safe to dry. 

Note: Paint may splash onto the sidewalk/driveway. I recommend washing away immediately with water and scrub brush after completing the activity to avoid staining.

Pin

MORE FUN PAINTING IDEAS TO TRY

Want to have a go at making your own homemade paint? Check out our easy paint recipes too!

FLY SWATTER PAINTING FOR TODDLERS TO PRESCHOOLERS

Click on the image below or on the link for more fun art projects for kids.