Today we’re going to bring a bit of the cold inside as we combine a weather phenomenon with a process art activity. Ice Painting is fun for children of all ages and ability levels. As the colorful paint covers the slick, smooth, and cold ice, children will be highly engaged in this sensory art and imaginative play experience. Let’s put on our mittens and bring out the ice!
Process Art
This art activity is all about the joy and magic that happen inside the making, the painting, and the process! The child has the power to make artistic decisions and learn through exploration. This is the opposite of a step-by-step craft. He or she is free to explore, try something new, take artistic risks, and make mistakes. There is no right way or wrong way. Each ice painting will be unique.
Sensory Art
Through various textures and temperatures, ice painting excites the senses. The bitter cold of the ice just calls out to be touched! The paint drips and glides on the flat surface as the ice begins to melt and lose form. Sequencing, problem-solving skills, imaginative play, and fine motor skill development are all on full display.
Ice Painting Materials:
- Water
- Ice Cube Trays
- Plastic Containers
- Watercolors
- Brush
- Paper Plate
- Mittens
Ice Painting Process Art Project Directions:
1. Make Ice!
Fill various ice cube trays and other plastic containers with water and freeze overnight in the freezer. The next day pop out the ice and set it out on a paper plate. Combine the different shapes of ice to create sculptures. Let your child touch the ice and experience the texture and temperature. Dress in mittens and full winter attire to create a dramatic play art experience.
2. Paint Away!
Paint with various colors of watercolor paint. For bright colors use less water. I often remind my students to go “round and round” with the brush in the paint oval in order to get a good amount of pigment on the brush.
3. Talk About Art!
Tell me all about your ice painting sculpture! Maybe you created a castle in the snow, a polar bear cave, or a snowman’s house? The possibilities are endless! I love to hear the creative stories children come up with!
Literacy Connection
Consider reading the book Ice Boy by David Ezra Stein before you begin to paint. The book takes the reader on an adventure as a little ice cube breaks free from the freezer and goes on an outdoor adventure! Instead of ending up in a drink, he hits the beach. Through comedy and cute illustrations, the science of weather is highlighted and explained.
Science Connection
- Ice is frozen water.
- Water freezes at 32° Fahrenheit and 0° Celsius.
- Melting is the opposite of freezing.
- Melting is when a solid becomes a liquid.
- Ice is used to cool drinks and soothe achy body parts.
Share your Art with Us!
We would love to see your little ones bundled up and painting away! Share your photos with us on Instagram and tag @fantasticfunandlearning and @youngschoolartwithmr.g for a chance to be highlighted in our feed.
CONNECT WITH VIN GIANNETTO
Learn more about Vin here on his author bio page. Follow along with him on Facebook at Young School Art with Mr. Giannetto and on Instagram @youngschoolartwithmr.g for art project ideas.
MORE ART AND CRAFT PROJECT IDEAS FROM VIN
Winter and Winter Holiday Art Projects for Kids
Click on the images below to see the full tutorial for each art project.
More Process Art Inspiration
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Visit Kids Art Projects 101 to try a free sample art lesson.
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