Tube Painting Gross Motor Art Project

We’re always in search of new things to paint with here at the Left Brain Craft Brain house.  And this one was both an artistic activity and a fun chance to run and play.  It’s Tube Painting, and it’s all transparent.  Transparent tube, spheres and cubes and even transparencies to make color mixing more visible.  And if you read to the end, you’ll find this week’s installment of the Love to Learn Linky.

Tube Painting Supplies Needed

• Clear mailing tube – 2″ diameter, at least 12″ long {affiliate, but you probably can find it cheaper in a local store}
• Acrylic spheres and cubes – ~1″ diameter {affiliate}
• Tempera paint
• Cups and spoons

First, load your paint colors into some cups and get out a few spoons.  This makes getting the paint covered things into the tube a lot neater.  Then cut your transparencies so they are just wide enough to wrap around the inside of the tube and insert one into the tube. Then add the spheres and cubes and shake away.  (A note on the spheres and cubes: I found these gorgeous things at Tap Plastics and had to buy them.  They feel lovely and are lovely to look at and make lovely patterns.  Marbles work just as well, but these are fun and different.)

The transparent tube allows for some great views into the color mixing.  Definitely have the kiddos experiment with color and the order in which the spheres and cubes are added to the tube.  Patterns change as you adjust the variables…

The Babe had so much fun with this project.  She decided to take it outside and make it a full body exercise!  The sounds and the feel of shaking the tube all around seemed intriguing to her…Cleanup

A pair of tweezers helps remove the transparency from the tube.  To clean the tube, simply run it under water until the paint is gone.  A towel and a bottle brush help to dry it.

More Painting Ideas from the Love to Learn Linky Crew

Kandinsky Inspired Shamrock Batik | Sparkling Buds

Rainbow Paper | The Science Kiddo

String Art | Mother’s Messy Madness

Jackson Pollack Inspired Projects & Cupcakes! | Mini Monets and Mommies

Snow Painting | Mom is Forever

Spray Paint with Leaves & More | The Practical Mom

And here are this week’s posts from my Love to Learn Linky co-hosts!

Playful Hands on Math for Young Children from One Time Through

Pot of Gold Math Game from Totschooling

15 Easy Spring Crafts for Toddlers from A Little Pinch of Perfect

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