My Kindergartener asked for two things: watercolors and snowmen. Yep. We can do this. Order in and processed! This watercolor snowman painting is an easy painting activity that you can hang on the fridge to take you right into the new year. Wait – is it SERIOUSLY already the new year?! This indoor activity will help keep us busy as we anticipate spring.
RELATED: Snowman paintings can only mean one thing: winter is coming! Here are my favorite winter activities for kids.
Why use watercolors?
Watercolors invite art without much cleanup. It is an easy five-minute prep time for a long-lasting painting session. You will find our favorite watercolor paints listed in the supply list, along with a tempera watercolor painting pallet that works well.
Watercolor paints can be just as bright as liquid paints without so much splashing. – Big win, right?
If this is your first time painting, I wrote how to set up painting with kids and created this genius toddler painting hack to keep the mess contained.
We’ve painted dozens of times, but if you are getting your feet wet, pick one of the above posts to get started.
RELATED: What else do we enjoy using to create? Here are my favorite art supplies for kids.
Paint with big kids too
My six-year-old painted as we chatted.
As a parent of big kids (eek!), we get small pockets of time to talk about the day they had without us.
Painting offers a relaxed environment to catch up, make small talk, and, if I am lucky, find out who he sat next to at lunch. And you know it! This painting idea also makes a terrific preschool activity as well.
I use painting ideas like this one to slow down. If snowmen are your thing, but painting is not, check out Cut and Glue Snowmen. This option swaps out paints for markers which may be more your speed.
RELATED: Use these watercolors again for watercolor shape painting.
Supplies
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This painting supply list is the items we use (and love) in our home.
RELATED: Looking for art activities outside of painting? I have a terrific list of art activities for kids.
Arteza Kids Watercolor Paints
These paints are sold out, so I shared an alternative paint set that works just as well below—keeping this here as I watch for them to come back.
Tempera Paint Set
An alternative to watercolor paints is this tempera paint set. Paints are bright and also keep the mess to a minimum.
White Construction Paper
This white construction paper works well for painting projects.
Set-Up
- Place kraft paper or open brown paper bags on the table to protect the table.
- Add water into a plastic container.
- Put down a large piece of white paper.
- Draw simple snowmen by tracing bowls or try freehand.
- Open watercolor paints.
- Invite your child to paint!
Setting up this simple watercolor painting takes only a few minutes and is a fun way to relax after a long school day.
RELATED: Calling all snowmen fans! Here are 10 snowman craft ideas for those cozy days in.
What happens as my child paints
After setup, my six-year-old takes the lead, as most Kindergarten activities do. I was simply there to hang out; it couldn’t have been a better way to connect after a long school day.
Even better! This simple winter art activity works well for all ages. Begin with one snowman and watch where the idea takes you!
When he finishes the painting, we hang it on his bedroom door. He will be ready to recycle it and add something new in spring. (wink, wink)
FAQ
Watercolor paints and washable tempera paints are suitable to use with kids. I always cover my table with kraft paper or a tablecloth before painting to protect the table.
This answer varies based on what age you are comfortable painting with kids. If you are ready but have questions, check out this post explaining how to paint with kids.
My favorite place to put kids’ artwork is on the fridge or bedroom door. Here are five ways to display your child’s artwork at home. And no, you do not need to keep it all!