Generous amounts of washable, nontoxic tempera paint + bare torsos + encouragement to paint their bodies =
I had set out special face crayons (the kind used on halloween or for face painting) as well but they were completely ignored. Paint was clearly the art material of choice yesterday.
We used a bar of soap, the hose, and the kiddie pool for washing up afterwards.
By the way, I wanted to let you know that Teaching My Little Bookworm has started an Open-Ended Art Wednesday. Each week she’ll post an open-ended art project which you are encouraged to do with your kiddos and post about then add a link on her blog so others can see your work. This week it’s puffy paint, something we’ve had lots of fun with in the past!
Hi! My name is Jean and I am mama to two daughters -- a four year old and a newborn. I'm trying to parent in a way that encourages creative expression, imagination, joyfulness, and a love of learning. Thanks for visiting!
Lucia said
Love the body painting! A perfect summer activity and it reminded me of two books we seem to keep checking out of the library:
“I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More”
And this amazing one about African tribal decoration…really stunning images.
http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Fashion-Tribal-Decoration-Africa/dp/0500288054/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247141823&sr=8-1
Crafty Mom said
Once again, you’re encouraging me to let go of my inhibitions when it comes to letting my girl experiment with art. Body Painting!?! I never would have thought to let her do that! Thanks for the inspiration.
Rachel said
We did tempera body painting this summer too. The kids had a blast and it was a great tactile experience! I even let them paint my legs a bit
teachingtinytots said
what great fun! i also thought of the book I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More! great book!
thanks for listing my blog and open art wednesday your the best
Cheryl said
heehee. very fun! whenever we paint it seems like the clothes come off lately
Katherine said
Hahahahaha. All of our art group playdates outside seem to devolve into some level of body painting. My daughter’s fault.
Monica said
Oh, I love it! The brushes and paints must’ve felt pretty cool on those soft little bodies. Love the pics.
Julie Liddle (ART IN HAND) said
What a blast!
Reminds me of my “little boy blue” that you included in my interview last summer!
Heather said
What fun!
Helen said
this looks like great fun! i particularly love the ‘watermelon’..
tami said
A fun extension might be to have mural paper out to “print” your bodies on afterward. I also love the ain’t gonna paint no more. my kids crack up on the page that cleverly suggests “butt”. I think I may have to do this little art on our next sunny day, Thanks for your creativity and for sharing. (oh and your flannel pocket dipes, I made them too and I fasten with snappis)
Marie {Make and Takes} said
Oh, it looks like a blast! I’ve got to do it. I think the trick for me, a sometimes clean freak, is to realize how much FUN it would be for them!! And I’ll just be prepared with the hose!!
Allison said
That looks like so much fun! My four year old would love me forever if we had a paint party!