A Nature Walk Activity: Painting With Nature

This is a fun kids’ art activity because it’s seasonal, which is code for “use whatever’s growing in your yard right now.”

You don’t need to get any fancy supplies at the store. You don’t need to plan ahead for this. Just wander around out back, or somewhere you’re allowed to pick stuff (weeds count. So if you wanted to, you could have the kids pull your weeds to use and then you’d get both a clean yard and occupied kids. You’re welcome.)

 

 

So begin by going on a nature walk — through your yard, or your neighborhood, or a park. Find objects with interesting textures and shapes that you can paint with (make sure you’re allowed to take them! That’s why weeds are great — no one yells about you taking weeds). Then bring them home and experiment.

 

Supplies:

• nature objects like sticks, rocks, leaves, flowers, blades of grass
• tempera paints and a dish to pour them into
• paper for painting on

Instructions:

Go on a nature walk. Collect some items to paint with. When you come home, inspect them for bugs or anything else you don’t want in the house. You can even wash them if you think they need it.

Pour different colors of tempera paints into a bowl or paint palette (we rip up cardboard boxes and use those). Then — experiment! Larger, softer objects like leaves and large blades of grass make wonderful paintbrushes. Harder items like rocks and the ends of sticks are good for stamping or sometimes even writing with. Play around with different textures and objects see what everyone can create.

You could also get giant pieces of easel or butcher paper, have the kids paint designs, and save it to use as wrapping paper, or use smaller paper to make greeting cards.

This post was written by me and originally published on the BabyCenter blog. It is republished here with permission.