Is the rain tapping on your window? Then it’s the perfect time to grab your paints and create a stormy masterpiece!
What you’ll need:
- Paper: Any kind will do, but thicker paper like watercolor paper is best for wetter techniques.
- Rain-activated Paints: Powdered tempera paints are great, but so are watercolor crayons or even food coloring.
- Adult supervision!
Rain-activated paints:
- Powdered tempera: Sprinkle powdered tempera paint directly onto your paper. When the rain falls, it will activate the paint, creating beautiful, textured raindrop patterns and washes of color.
- Watercolor washes: Paint a light wash of watercolors on your paper. Leave it outside for the rain to blend and soften the colors, creating a dreamlike effect.
- Food coloring: This is a fun and safe option for young children. Drip food coloring onto your paper and let the rain create abstract patterns and vibrant splatters.
Capturing the rain’s impact:
- Place the paper outside and leave it outside during a light rain. The raindrops’ splashes will leave create natural patterns and textures, creating a unique abstract artwork!
- Don’t forget to check on it and bring it inside to try when you’re happy with the results.
- Once your painting has dried, you can add some more fun! Paint in colorful umbrellas, raindrops splashing on puddles, or even little animals playing in the rain. Let your imagination run wild!
More rain-inspired techniques:
- Splatter painting: Dip a toothbrush in paint and flick it towards your paper while standing outside. The wind and rain will help create splatters and streaks, mimicking the raindrops.
- Salt and water: Sprinkle salt onto wet paint. When the water dries, the salt will leave behind interesting textures and patterns, reminiscent of raindrop trails.
Safety tips:
- Always have adult supervision when using paints or being outside in the rain.
- Be mindful of the weather conditions and don’t stay outside for too long if it’s raining heavily, or if there is lightning.
