Fall leaf paintings to welcome a new season? Yes, please!
Here we are, ready for change at the perfect time; Fall. The time when we can watch leaves change colors, collect all the mini pumpkins, and bring fall leaf paintings to life. Bring. It. On.
So collect your toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids. Let’s add this outdoor art idea to the list of 50+ Autumn Activities. It is time to get started!
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What do you teach preschoolers in the fall?
Begin with leaves and why they change color. Learning this is fun for all ages to begin to notice!
You can keep this information brief.
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I love using the book, Why Do Leaves Change Color? to help me introduce why the leaves change color.
The cliff notes on why leaves change colors. (You’re welcome)
Leaves work all summer to help the tree grow. The chlorophyll gives the leaves their green coloring. In the fall, the cool weather tells the leaves they have done their job, and the chlorophyll begins to fade. The green starts to disappear, and the other colors reveal before falling off the tree.
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Now, let’s get this fall outdoor art activity set up!
Again, I used the book listed above to help guide my drawings. I am sure a simple Google search would also do the trick!
Here’s what you’ll need for this fall leaf painting:
Kraft paper – You can also try using the back of a paper bag.
Washable paint – We put it in an old muffin tin.
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Setting up this outdoor art idea is a breeze.
Lay the kraft paper on the table or floor to sketch out your leaves. Remember, the leaves do not need to be perfect. Just like in nature, leaves are imperfect so give yourself a little wiggle room on the final product.
Label the leaves. – again, this is where the leaf book listed above really came in to save me!
I put down our old indoor cycling mat for the kids to kneel on and tape the canvas to our outdoor window with painter’s tape.
Pour the paint into a muffin tin, egg carton, or cups. We keep these items, along with our simple art supplies, in the art cart to have on hand.
I like to use primary colors only for my children to begin exploring color combinations. I also added gold paint for it to shimmer.
Place a small container with water, add the paintbrushes, and allow your little artists to get to work.
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I labeled the fall leaves to expose my boys to the different plant names.
Labeling will be something children will see more of as they read more books. I also want to begin the discussion that illustrations can have labels.
We notice labels in many nonfiction books. We can begin to point them out as you read together now!
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My preschooler and toddler worked on their fall leaf paintings for a reasonable amount of time.
As they worked, they talked about the colors they were making and the differences in each leaf.
A perfect fall afternoon to pass the time, get creative, and improve fine motor strength!
When will your children make a fall leaf painting?
