Painting Gardens With Water

I’ll admit, if I’m not covered in dirt, I’m usually covered in water! But today while watering the garden my son and I had a blast and didn’t even get a drop on us. (Okay, maybe a drop, but not much more!) 

We decided to paint the garden with water and had as much fun as dousing each other with buckets of water on hot days. This activity can be done anywhere and I've learned first hand that it allows your kids to explore the garden without making too big of a mess. 

“Water-painting” has endless possibilities – so encourage your kids to paint outside on the sidewalk, tree trunk, balcony or even a streetlamp with water.  Water is a great alternative to using paint because it is virtually mess-free, you don’t need any real prep time and you can find it without searching through boxes of crafty crud hiding in the garage. Just find a paintbrush and you’re good to go. (If the brush is used just make sure all the paint has been cleaned off.)

Your budding artists might draw different shapes, painting with a thin stream of water or a whole soppy sponge full. Depending on the day’s temperature they may have to work extra fast before their drawings fade away. This, of course, is always a plus since no one has to erase their drawings to make room for more. 

While outside, encourage older artists to paint on different surfaces and use their brain muscles. Discuss how water reacts to different surfaces. How long does it take for a water picture to disappear on the sidewalk compared to a tree trunk? Which surface is easier to paint on, the cobblestone walkway or front door?

Once the basics of painting with water have been mastered, try painting with found items from your garden. Are there big leaves that can be dipped into the bucket of water and pressed onto the ground? How about flowers bundled together and used as a brush? And a spray-nozzled bottle can add even more adventures!

Anything goes when you’re painting with water – although painting inside the house might not be a good idea. (Although I’ll admit if we’re in a water fight, running into the house to get away from the hose I’m holding won’t work. Just ask my dad, but don’t tell my kids!)

Painting with water is more about the process than it is about the picture. My son is always proud of every picture he makes, even if we can’t really figure out what it is.

For more fun ideas, check out www.kardenscorner.com.