Process Art: Printmaking Through Play
Art is play but let’s take that to the next level with a really beautiful process art project that takes play and makes it into absolutely beautiful art prints!
All you need is paint, paper, and your favorite washable loose parts! Here we’re using Little Bricks and Little Pavers since they’re gorgeous, geometrically interesting, and can easily be washed off after this art-y play is done! I set everything up on our Acadia Kids' Outdoor Art Table making the materials easily and readily accessible for little hands.
Here’s the simple process for making loose-parts art prints!
Start out by offering your loose parts at the table for play. Kids can create any shapes any designs they want - but try to keep them flat.
Next offer paint in complementary colors so that kids can paint all over their designs. They might choose to paint everything one color allowing the physical pattern to shine - or they could create more complex pattern work incorporating color too! Apply the paint using brushes of different sizes, or try rollers for a bit of a twist!
Make sure the painting happens kind of quickly so it doesn’t start to dry before you get to make your print!
Once the paint is applied carefully lay a piece of paper over your design and gently press down, rubbing the paper flat. Then slowly peel the paper off of your pattern to reveal a print!
Repeat as you wish, allowing your prints to dry in a safe space as you work.
Remember, this is process art which means the main goal should be to play and experiment! The most fun part of this project is mixing and matching ideas to see what new creations you can come up with! Happy creating!
