Tall Paintings

HERE and HERE and several other places I saw this 'Tall Painting.' At first, I thought it was just wasting paint but it did look fun after a few views of YouTube videos so we tried it. The two year old said, "I do it myself." And when it was dry she carried it around, "It looks like a flower."

It was fun and it is cool the colors don't mix together. It is worth the paint.

Supplies:

small wooden cube

wax paper or primed wooden board and glue

acrylic paints

Instructions:

1. Put cube on wax paper or (if using) glue wooden cube to primed board

2. Slowly pour acrylic paint in the middle of the cube

3. Watch the different colors run and pool

4. Let dry for 48 hours (depending on the thickness of the paint)

Tips:

* This is inspired by artist Holton Rower.

* You can watch videos of this on YouTube.

* You should use acrylic. It dries with thick, vibrant colors. Tempera mixed with glue will get you a great experiences and initial images but it will not dry pretty. The colors mix with tempera.

* If you use wood, prime it. Do not use cardboard; it absorbs the paint to distort the colors and it warps.

* When drying, the paint may appear to be non-glossy and dry on top but still wet underneath. It is best to let it sit undisturbed for two days before peeling away the wax paper so you don't disturb anything. If you want to send these home on the day made, put corrugated cardboard under the wax paper before you begin for a strong surface to carry without disturbing the paint.

* Kids love this process! I know it looks like wasting paint but they are enthralled by the colors and symmetry.

*Imagine the kids stacking blocks and seeing where the paint falls!