Kinesthetic Painting

What You Need:

• Large canvas or poster board
• Acrylic paint (or tempera if you're worried about stains)
• Paintbrushes
• Plastic spoons
• Popsicle sticks 

What You Do:

1. Explain to your preschooler that throughout history, there have been many different movements and styles of painting that were popular. Discuss how Dadism and Surrealism were uniquely radical and how these two movements led to Abstract Expressionism. A good way to start the discussion is by showing your child some samples of artwork from these eras.
2. As she looks at the art samples, have her express her opinions on the artwork. Then discuss how she will be making an abstract piece of artwork that involves applying paint by splattering and using various body movements to create unexpected designs on the canvas.
3. Lay the canvas on the floor. Have her stand over the canvas and apply paint by splattering, dripping, and drizzling paint on it. Go over how in order to apply paint, she doesn’t have to actually touch the canvas with the paintbrush, spoon, or popsicle sticks.
4. Encourage her to experiment with her body movements. Is she able to get more paint on the canvas if she stands over it and flings the paint? How about if she squats down closer to the canvas?
5. Ask her to tell you more about her painting and what she thinks about the abstract art she's creating.

Helpful Tip: This method is very fun, but very messy. Remember to provide an appropriate work area so there's no need to impose limitations.