Finger painting facts for kids

Fingerpainting is a fun way to create art using your fingers!

Finger painting is a special kind of art where you use your fingers and hands instead of brushes to spread paint on paper or other surfaces. It's a very direct and creative way to make pictures.

What is Finger Painting?

Finger painting is a fun and messy art activity. It lets you feel the paint and create unique textures. The paint usually comes in pots and is thick, making it easy to spread with your fingers. While often enjoyed by young children, people of all ages can try it.

Materials for Finger Painting

The paints used for finger painting are usually made to be safe and non-toxic. This means they won't harm you if you accidentally get a little in your mouth. You can often find these paints in sets with many bright colors.

Sometimes, people even make their own finger paints at home. They might use simple kitchen ingredients like flour or cornstarch mixed with water and food coloring. This makes a safe and easy-to-clean paint. Some places, like daycares, even use instant pudding as a type of finger paint! This is super safe because it's okay for kids to taste it.

History of Finger Painting

While it seems like a modern activity, using fingers to paint is actually very old. Early humans used their hands to create cave paintings thousands of years ago! The idea of "finger painting" as a specific art activity for children became popular in the 1930s. An artist named Ruth Faison Shaw helped develop special non-toxic paints and techniques for kids. She believed it helped children express their feelings and be creative.

How to Finger Paint

Finger painting is easy to start!

• First, make sure you have a good surface, like a table covered with newspaper, to keep things tidy.
• Next, put a small amount of paint on your paper or directly on the table.
• Then, dip your fingers, hands, or even your whole palm into the paint.
• Finally, spread the paint around to make shapes, lines, and patterns. You can mix colors directly on the paper to create new shades.

Benefits of Finger Painting

Finger painting is more than just fun; it's also good for you!

• Creativity: It lets you express your ideas freely without worrying about perfect lines.
• Sensory Play: Feeling the cool, smooth, or gooey paint helps develop your senses.
• Fine Motor Skills: Moving your fingers and hands helps improve coordination.
• Emotional Expression: It can be a great way to let out feelings and relax.

Famous Finger Painters

While many people think of finger painting as only for kids, some famous artists have used their fingers in their work. One example is Gao Qipei, a Chinese painter from the 17th century. He was known for creating amazing artworks, like landscapes and animals, using his fingers instead of brushes. This shows that finger painting can be a serious and beautiful art form for adults too!

Images for kids

• 

  This amazing painting, Finger Painting of Eagle and Pine Trees, was made by Gao Qipei using his fingers! It's on display at the Shanghai Museum.

• 

  Adults can enjoy finger painting too, creating detailed or abstract art.