Autumn Leaf Negative Space Painting

This activity is perfect to creatively use up the fall leaves you inevitably will collect while on a nature walk with your child.

To recreate this activity, you will need:

– a leaf (I recommend having a few spare ones in case it breaks)

– a water color paint set

– 1 or 2 paint brushes

– a small container with water

– a small cloth in case of spills

Invite your child to arrange the leaf (or leaves) however they want on the paper. Once you’ve decided on the layout, tape the back of the leaf/leaves to the paper so they don’t move while the child is working. Now invite the child to paint the negative space around the leaf.

You can adapt this activity to your little one’s skill level at the moment. For example, if they have never used watercolors before, be sure to provide a paint that doesn’t need to be mixed with water, so you eliminate that extra step. It’s better to introduce new skills in isolation.

At the time I presented this invitation to create to my daughter, she showed no interest in the paint brushes, so I gave her a small sponge brush. She still preferred using her fingers, but eventually gave the paint brush a try. Just observe your child and adapt the activity accordingly.

Making a mess and cleaning up are part of the learning process, so make sure to encourage your child to tidy up after they finish playing. Model how to do it until your child feels confident enough to initiate the tidying up process independently.

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Autumn Leaf Negative Space Painting

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