Article: Class Group Art Projects: Bringing Students Together Through Art showing a glimpse of Growing Together

Class Group Art Projects: Bringing Students Together Through Art

Class Group Art Projects bring students together in a fun, hands-on way, where creativity flows and teamwork shines. Using Pattern Play Collaborative Art, these projects guide students through three engaging stages. The stages are Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling. These projects create vibrant, collaborative artworks with the kids creating together as their skills and abilities combine. Each project, like King Leo, Fiery Circles, and Growing Together, combines the contributions of every participant into a cohesive whole. They combine expressive patterns, dynamic colours, and layered textures. This process builds meaningful, shared artworks that celebrate unity and imagination.

Class Group Art Projects 1: King Leo

Class Group Art Projects: Bringing Students Together Through Art showing King Leo, a collaborative collage project
Class Group Art Projects: King Leo

Class Group Art Projects offer a unique and inclusive way for students to connect, communicate, and celebrate their creativity. The King Leo project epitomises this collaborative spirit. Students and staff came together to create a colorful series of painted papers. They then cut these into circles and strips. The circles were then cut into spirals by the kids. These pieces were added to the canvas using glue, and the layers give the artwork a textured feel with shadows. I painted the lion’s face between sessions. Each student contributed their own pattern flair to the artworks, inspired by samples I had available for reference. You can buy these ‘Pattern Play visual resources’ at my Shop. They blended patterns over the collage pieces. They did this in clusters, in lines, using paint pens related to the painted paper colours.

Class Group Art Projects 2: Fiery Circles

Class Group Art Projects: Bringing Students Together Through Art showing Fiery Circles, a joint collaborative painting project with warm colours.
Class Group Art Projects: Fiery Circles

The Fiery Circles project encouraged incorporating bold colors and swirling forms. It gave students the chance to experiment with expressive mark-making. They also explored dynamic circular patterns. This Class Group Art Project used warm tones of red, orange, and yellow. It involved layering circles, spirals, and arches. This combination produced a fiery, cohesive artwork. It symbolised their unity and energy in creating it. Through these repetitive shapes and patterns, students learned about rhythm in art. They discovered the impact of collaboration. Each layer built upon the earlier one to create a stunning group piece. The project showcased that simple shapes can transform into captivating artwork. This happens when they are repeated and varied in size and color. This artwork reflects the energy and enthusiasm of its young creators. The result was a vibrant canvas. Each student personalised their own canvas with stick on gems. They added these dots in clusters or around a shape. Then, they took their part of this art project home to share and admire.

Class Group Art Projects 3: Growing Together

Class Group Art Projects: Bringing Students Together Through Art showing Growing Together a collaborative group canvas painting of cool colours.
Class Group Art Projects: Growing Together

The Growing Together project was an interactive Class Group Art Project. It took place with students during a school vacation care program. It highlighted the importance of teamwork in art-making. Students used the Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling stages of my Pattern Play form of Collaborative Art. They added layer upon layer of marks and patterns. This created a 1m x 1m collaborative artwork. The completed piece is now displayed at Forbes Primary School. It serves as a joyful reminder of the friendships formed between kids of different ages at vacation care. It also highlights the sense of unity fostered through collective creativity. With its lively blend of colours and patterns, Growing Together exemplifies how collaborative art projects can strengthen connections. They inspire pride among students. These projects leave a lasting impact on their school community. This artwork has been displayed at many school events. It fills the 30 students who were involved in its creation with pride.

Class Group Art Projects: In conclusion

Class Group Art Projects like King Leo, Fiery Circles, and Growing Together show the power of collaborative creativity in schools. Students follow the three stages of Messy Playing. They explore and add bling within the Pattern Play Collaborative Art approach. This allows them to experience the joy of teamwork and artistic expression. These projects leave a lasting impact. They build community and confidence. Simple shapes and colors are transformed into meaningful, shared artworks. These artworks show the spirit of unity and creativity.


Discover simple tips about how class group art projects like these can be painted by you and your students. Join my Inner Circle email group. I’ll give you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”, my free 7-page guide. It makes it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork using this fun style of collaborative art.

Happy Painting! Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.


Let’s Chat:

How can Class Group Art Projects using Pattern Play Collaborative Art help foster teamwork and creativity among students?

Social visual art projects - a fun collective collage project

3 Social Visual Art Projects That Build Social Skills

Social visual art projects offer a unique way to connect people through creativity. They use three simple stages—Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling—to build social skills. These projects also foster teamwork. In these projects, participants experience Pattern Play Collaborative Art, a style that encourages vibrant self-expression and shared authorship. These collaborative art projects range from intergenerational paintings to imaginative monster cityscapes to vibrant harmony banners. People of all ages engage with art and one another in meaningful ways through these projects.

Social Visual Art Projects 1: Intergenerational Art Project

Social visual art projects - an intergenerational art project between seniors and primary school students
Social visual art projects promote inter-generational cooperation.

Screens and solitary activities often dominate our world. Social visual art projects offer a unique way to bring people together across age groups. They foster connection and collaboration. A powerful example is “Our Collaborative Intergenerational Paintings.” This project was completed at Marion Resthaven in the summer of 2019. It began at a local primary school Vacation Care. This inspiring project bridged generations. Children from a vacation care program joined residents at an aged care center. Together, they created a series of colorful, layered artworks. The project encouraged the young participants to practice patience. It taught them empathy and cooperative skills. They worked side by side with the elderly residents. The collaborative process strengthened their social skills. It also helped build meaningful intergenerational bonds. This created lasting memories for everyone involved. The Messy Playing and Exploring stages were completed with the kids at the school. They assisted the seniors with the Bling stage at the local retirement facility.

Social Visual Art Projects 2: Monsters on Skyscrapers!

Social visual art projects - a fun collective collage project
Social visual art projects promote communication skills

The second project, “Monsters on Skyscrapers,” sparked both creativity and collaboration. It was a unique cityscape-themed collage art activity with primary school students at Vacation Care in 2021. The project was designed as a social, collage-based activity. It encouraged children to work together on a shared night-time city skyline. This skyline was brought to life on long strips of kraft paper. The project started with a “Messy Playing” stage. During this stage, cool tones of pearl blue and purple were sponged across the roll of kraft paper. This paper would later become the skyline. The students rotated around the paper, ensuring everyone left their mark on the entire piece. In the next stage, “Exploring,” each child crafted their own skyscrapers from painted papers using simple templates they traced around. They added windows and other details using markers and stickers. Finally, for the “Personalisation” stage, each child created a cut-paper monster. The monster was made from only a small square of coloured paper. They used expressive face stickers to give their monster a personality. These monsters either “attacked” their section of the city or “protected” it. Their section was an A3 section cut from the long strip of city skyline. They then spontaneously told stories about their unique creatures. By sharing these imaginative tales, the children engaged in meaningful storytelling. They listened attentively and expressed themselves creatively. Through art, they strengthened their social bonds!

Social Visual Art Projects 3: Harmony Banners

Social visual art projects - harmony banner created by primary school children
Social visual art projects promote social skills

The third project, “Harmony Banners,” embraced the spirit of collaboration. It also promoted unity in celebration of Harmony Day at Marion Primary School OSHC. Over a three-week period, 42 children contributed to creating three vibrant 1m x 2m calico banners. They used harmonious colour schemes. One was cool, one was warm, and the other harmonised the colours of orange, yellow, and green. New techniques were introduced each week. This offered students the chance to explore various techniques like masking, blending, sgraffito, brushwork, stenciling, and doodling. The project also included fun additions like bingo dotters and glittery “bling” elements. Each child added their personal touch with a range of media. The banners became a patchwork of pattern play (an earlier form of those offered in my online shop). These came together as cohesive works of art. The children’s enthusiasm grew as they saw the layers build each week. They experienced artistic “flow” as they added to the banners. The collaborative nature of the project motivated them to take pride in the final pieces. They felt a strong sense of shared authorship and accomplishment. These “Harmony Banners” beautifully symbolised the joy of coming together and celebrating diversity through art. They were presented to the school on Harmony Day and continue to hang around the school.

Social Visual Art Projects: In conclusion

These social visual art projects showcase the power of creative collaboration. Our Collaborative Intergenerational Painting, Monsters on Skyscrapers, and Harmony Banners foster social skills. They also build empathy and teamwork. Each project brought unique activities. They offered storytelling opportunities that encouraged participants to connect meaningfully with one another. These connections happened across generations, through imaginative cityscapes, or in the spirit of community harmony. These shared experiences show how social visual art projects can create lasting bonds. They inspire creativity and celebrate diversity in truly engaging ways.


Discover simple tips about how YOU can develop social visual art projects like these. Join my Inner Circle email group. I’ll give you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”, my free 7-page guide. It makes it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork using this fun style of collaborative art.

Happy Painting! Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.


Let’s Chat:

How can social visual art projects like Pattern Play Collaborative Art inspire connection and creativity in your community?

How to do a group community painting project showing the finished artwork created with 80 people.

How to Do a Group Community Painting Project 

If you’re wondering how to do a group community painting project, it’s easier than you think! In this guide, I’ll explain with 3 straightforward stages. These stages create a vibrant, shared artwork using my Pattern Play Collaborative Art approach. We start with Messy Playing to loosen up and get creative. After we loosen up, we move into the Exploring stage to layer patterns and shapes. Finally, the Bling stage adds bold, personal touches to make the artwork truly shine. Let’s dive into how each step works!

How to Do a Group Community Painting Project Step 1: Messy Playing

how to do a group community painting project showing a detail of the Messy Playing stage
How to Do a Group Community Painting Project: Messy Playing Stage

For the Myriad in Harmony: Unity Within Difference! project, we began with the first step, Messy Playing, to encourage spontaneity and creativity. This stage focused on making free-flowing marks without overthinking, helping contributors feel at ease with the paint and each other. Participants used warm colors like reds, pinks, yellows, and oranges. They painted these over a vibrant blue background. They added circles, spirals, and playful patterns. They layered their individual marks to form a collaborative visual story. It was a lively and interactive process, the first of three sessions over three days of the exhibition. This stage broke the ice and got people creating! It also set the tone for this community-driven artwork – everyone is creative.

This group community painting project was a collaborative art event. It took place during the annual Myriad Exhibition. The event was created by Community Living Australia. It aims to showcase the art of people living with disabilities in South Australia.

How to Do a Group Community Painting Project Step 2: Exploring

how to do a group community painting project showing a detail of the Exploring stage
How to Do a Group Community Painting Project: Exploring Stage

In the Exploring stage of the Myriad in Harmony project, participants started experimenting with different patterns. They also used smaller brushes as the layers built, adding more visual sophistication. They built on the foundational marks from Messy Playing. This stage encouraged everyone to get creative with shapes like arches, dots, and overlapping patterns. We used the exact patterns available in my Pattern Play Printable Cards. These elements gave the artwork depth and character. Participants layered vibrant colours from a limited colour scheme and explored new combinations of the patterns. They added their own unique touches. At the same time, they contributed to the collective vision. Trying new things and playing with pattern variations sparked conversations. This interaction brought people closer together. It reinforced the idea of unity through shared artistic exploration.

How to Do a Group Community Painting Project Step 3: Bling!

how to do a group community painting project showing a detail of the Bling stage
How to Do a Group Community Painting Project: Bling Stage

The final stage, BLING!, brought the Myriad in Harmony project to life with eye-catching embellishments. This is where participants added the finishing touches, using paint pens, glitter glue, and stickers to make their contributions pop. It was all about adding bold, expressive details that stood out against the layers of marks and patterns. The BLING! stage allowed everyone to personalise the artwork even further, with small additions of patterns with paint pens and stickers. These extra touches added a sense of excitement and celebration. They created a lively and vibrant piece. This piece reflected the energy and creativity of the visitors to this community art exhibition.

How to Do a Group Community Painting Project : In conclusion

In summary, a group community painting project begins with the Messy Playing stage. Here, participants freely make marks. This helps break the ice and build a collaborative foundation. The Exploring stage follows, encouraging creativity with patterns and layering techniques to deepen the artwork. Finally, the BLING! stage adds personal touches and bold details that bring the piece to life. These steps foster inclusion of all abilities, allowing everyone to contribute and creating a vibrant, unified community artwork. The Myriad Exhibition is held annually in Adelaide, South Australia. Myriad in Harmony: Unity Within Difference! is the full title of the project. It reflects how painting with 80 people creates an artwork that looks cohesive. The artwork appears unified, as if one artist created it!

how to do a group community painting project showing the finished artwork created with 80 people.
‘Myriad in Harmony’ Created by 80 visitors to the Myriad Exhibition

Discover simple tips about how to do a group community painting project like Myriad in Harmony. Join my Inner Circle email group. I’ll give you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”, my free 7-page guide. It makes it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork using this fun style of collaborative art.

Happy Painting! Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.


Let’s Chat:

What part of the guide to ‘How to do a group community painting project‘ would you enjoy the most? Would it be Messy Playing, Exploring, or adding the final BLING? Let me know in the comments! (And hoping for some real replies this time – so many spammy bots like to visit, ugh. No I don’t care about your lip filler or crypto site!)

Circles of Connection: An Easy Collaborative Art Project for Groups by Painting Around is Fun!

“Circles of Connection”: An Easy Collaborative Art Project for Groups

Easy Collaborative Art Projects - showing 'Circles of Connection' created by adults with Painting Around is Fun!
Easy Collaborative Art Projects: “Circles of Connection” Final artwork.

This “Circles of Connection” project perfectly exemplifies an easy collaborative art project. It can bring people together and create a lasting impact. This project fostered a sense of community. It provided a creative outlet. The power of art was demonstrated in promoting mental health and well-being. As outlined below, the simplicity of the project made it accessible to all participants. The collaborative nature encouraged connection and a shared experience. People still talk about this shared experience today.

An Easy Collaborative Art Project: Creating a Sense of Community Through Art

Easy Collaborative Art Projects - showing 'Circles of Connection' created by adults with Painting Around is Fun in the Messy Playing stage
Easy Collaborative Art Projects: Messy Playing Stage of ‘Circles of Connection’

The “Circles of Connection” project is a prime example of a simple art project. It is meaningful and collaborative. Such a project can foster a sense of community and belonging. The project invited the Mums of “My Time“, a Carer peer support group in Australia. They participated in a shared creative experience. It aimed to give a much-needed respite from the daily challenges of raising a child with special needs. The collaborative nature of the project encouraged participants to connect, share their experiences, and create something beautiful together. During the ‘Messy Playing’ stage, the painters are painting groups of circles in different colours. They move from place to place around the canvas. The canvas is flat on a table. Circles can be filled in, be open circles, clusters of dots, and in any size. Overlapping is encouraged. Play is required! Everyone is reassured that they can’t mess it up. This is ‘Messy Playing’ and the whole aim is to have fun. The goal is to give the artwork a visually interesting base to build on.

An Easy Collaborative Art Project: A Step-by-Step Guide to Collaborative Painting

Easy Collaborative Art Projects - showing 'Circles of Connection' created by adults with Painting Around is Fun in the exploring stage
Easy Collaborative Art Projects: Exploring stage of ‘Circles of Connection’

The simplicity of the “Circles of Connection” project made it accessible to all participants, regardless of their artistic abilities. The process involved easy-to-follow steps. Participants painted circles and overlapped them. They used stencils, added embellishments, and applied bling. These steps ensured that everyone contributed to the final artwork. This process fostered a sense of ownership and pride. During the ‘Exploring’ stage, the painters add layers with stencils and small rollers. They include new colours as earlier areas dry quickly with acrylic paints. Painters are encouraged to keep the blobs at bay.

An Easy Collaborative Art Project: The Impact of Collaborative Art on Mental Health

Easy Collaborative Art Projects - showing detail of 'Circles of Connection' created by adults with Painting Around is Fun!
Easy Collaborative Art Projects: Detail of ‘BLING!’ stage with gems and white pen.

The “Circles of Connection” project not only created a visually stunning artwork. It also had a positive impact on the mental health of the participants. The Mums of the “My Time” carer peer support group engaged in a creative activity together. They managed to reduce stress! Painting together also reduces anxiety and feelings of isolation. The shared experience provided a much-needed boost to their well-being and strengthened their connections with one another. During the ‘BLING!’ stage, the painters each added stick-on gems.

Conclusion: You Can Create This Sort Of Collaborative Art Project With Your Group Too!

See how easy collaborative art projects can be? Simply get a canvas. Give it an underpainting so people are not intimidated by the stark white canvas. Yellow is a happy choice of colour, for instance. Start adding circles, both big and small. Medium happens on its own. Then decorate those circles. Add layers of simple ‘Pattern Play’ decorations. Remember to limit your colours to a ‘family’ like warm or cool. Alternatively, alternate colour families between sessions when the paint is dry. This is what we did here. Now, add another layer. Then, add another layer. Keep building up layers, interacting with what’s there, adding to it, overlapping it, until it is done. That’s it in a nutshell. You’ll find more tips in my downloadable guide of course:


Discover simple tips to create easy collaborative art projects like these. Join my Inner Circle email list and I’ll give you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”. This is my free 7 page guide. It makes it easy to create a unique artwork. Use this fun style of collaborative art with your family and friends.


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Do you have a question about creating this easy collaborative art project? Ask away below!

New Article: Group mural creation with Painting Around is Fun - Our Soccer Mural (detail) Painted with school kids (primary / elementary)

Group Mural Creation Ideas for Kids

At Ascot Park Primary School, we embarked on a group mural creation with the Specialist Soccer Team. We brought together 26 students to transform their soccer practice “Hitting Wall” into a vibrant mural showing teamwork. Using my Pattern Play Collaborative Art approach, we guided the students through three simple stages. The first stage was Messy Playing, where creativity flowed freely with big brushes and spontaneous marks. Next was Exploring, where detailed layers were added to build depth and texture. Finally, we reached Bling, the step that brought the mural to life with intricate finishing touches. The result is a stunning, multi-layered mural that the school community enjoys daily, reflecting both creativity and collaboration.

Group Mural Creation 1: Underpainting: Setting the Foundation

Group mural creation with Painting Around is Fun - Our Soccer Mural Painted with school kids (primary / elementary)
Group mural creation with primary school children: doing the primer underpainting

The project began with a solid foundation—a vibrant underpainting that would serve as the base layer for our mural. The students used large brushes and rollers. They applied broad strokes of primer mixed with colour to the wall. This established a solid backdrop. We focused on warm tones like red, orange, and yellow. These colors created a feeling of energy and motion. They set the stage for what was to come. The underpainting not only helped unify the mural. It also gave the students confidence to start creating without worrying about perfection. It was all about getting the first layer down and warming up the space for further creative exploration.

Group Mural Creation 2: Messy Playing: Freeing the Creativity

Group mural creation with Painting Around is Fun - Our Soccer Mural Painted with school kids (primary / elementary)
Group mural creation with elementary school children – The Messy Play stage adding visual texture.
Group mural creation with Painting Around is Fun - Our Soccer Mural Painted with school kids (primary / elementary)
Group mural creation with school kids – adding big circles, using templates too.

In this phase, the students were encouraged to loosen up and have fun with the mural. We introduced a variety of tools—sponges, stamps, templates and stencils—to add playful and spontaneous elements. This messy playing stage is all about creative freedom, allowing each student to make their mark without fear. By layering bold shapes and spontaneous patterns, the students brought energy and movement to the mural. This step let their ideas flow naturally. It gave the artwork an organic, fluid feeling. This is much like how a soccer team works together dynamically on the field.

Group Mural Creation 3. Exploring: Building Layers of Detail

Group mural creation with Painting Around is Fun - Our Soccer Mural Painted with school kids (primary / elementary)
Group mural creation with younger children – starting to add patterns.

The playful base was established. Then, the students began to explore more intentional techniques. We aimed to bring depth and complexity to the mural. They used finer brushes and simple patterns. They layered these designs on top of the earlier marks, creating quite intricate areas. They added subtle details in similar colours and the patterns created a sense of unity across the mural. The patterns used were an early form of my “Pattern Play” visual resources. I now use them for every project. I also offer them for sale at my online shop. During this project, I laminated the simple hand painted pattern ideas into A4 sheets. The sheets were scattered around. They were stuck up to give the kids ideas to copy. This scattered approach provided inspiration to create. Kids added their own ideas too. Every contribution was guided and encouraged, and each layer added more visual interest. This phase gave the mural its distinctive character. Students worked in sync and painted around each other’s contributions. They created a cohesive design that reflected their teamwork.

Group Mural Creation 4: Bling: Adding the Final Touches.

Group mural creation with Painting Around is Fun - Our Soccer Mural Painted with school kids (primary / elementary)
Group mural creation with school kids starting to add our final layer with pops of deep crimson.

The finishing stage was all about adding that extra sparkle and final polish to the mural. Using a dark crimson for a pop of accent colour, and attention-grabbing elements like fine detailing, we added the “bling.” This stage helped emphasise focal points and brought a sense of completion to the mural. Each student’s name was included in the design, giving them a personal connection to the finished piece. The final touches made the mural truly shine. It was not just an artwork. It was a reflection of the students’ hard work, collaboration, and team spirit. They were so proud as they had ownership of the entire creative process.

Group Mural Creation: In Conclusion

Group mural creation with Painting Around is Fun - Our Soccer Mural Painted with school kids (primary / elementary)
Group mural creation with School Kids ages 5- 13.

This group mural creation at Ascot Park Primary School not only brought the students together. They created a stunning work of art. It also transformed the “Hitting Wall,” a space they use daily for soccer practice. The mural now serves as a constant reminder of their teamwork and creativity as they play. One of the most rewarding moments was hearing the kids run around the corner at recess. They squealed with joy and amazement when they saw the mural taking shape. The students engaged the stages Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling. Through this process, they embraced Pattern Play Collaborative Art. This approach helped them create a vibrant, layered mural. It will be enjoyed for years to come.


Learn easy tips to develop group mural creation ideas on your own: Join my Inner Circle email list. I’ll give you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”. It’s my free 7 page guide. It makes it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork using this fun style of collaborative art.

Happy Painting! Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.


Let’s Chat:

What are your favorite group mural creation ideas for bringing people together through art?

Showing the Bling stage (in detail) - painted by Painting Around is Fun as we discover how to paint a group artwork

Unlocking Creativity: How to Paint a Group Artwork in 5 Easy Steps

If you’re curious about how to paint a group artwork, the process is simple. It’s also more enjoyable than you think. Using my Pattern Play Collaborative Art approach, you’ll guide your group through three fun and creative stages. First is Messy Playing, where bold marks and shapes fill the canvas. Next is Exploring, where simple patterns layer in complexity. Finally, there’s Bling, where ornamentation and sparkle bring the artwork to life. Whether you’re working with friends, family, or a community group, these steps make collaborative art accessible and rewarding for everyone.

NB: The photos in this article are actually from three different projects, to show the variety I wanted to cover.

How to Paint a Group Artwork Step 1: Underpainting

Showing a simple form of underpainting - painted by Painting Around is Fun as we discover how to paint a group artwork
How to Paint a Group Artwork – Start with an Underpainting

Before a group painting project begins, I take care of the underpainting. This foundational layer sets the tone. It eliminates the intimidating ‘blank canvas effect.’ Often, people hesitate because they fear they will mess it up. The underpainting is usually in a related color, either applied smoothly or in a more textured, splotchy manner. Sometimes I add bold shapes around key visual points, incorporate random trailing lines, or even stencils for shorter projects. On occasion, I’ll enhance it with elements like gold leaf, giving the artwork an early layer of vibrancy.

How to Paint a Group Artwork Step 2: Messy Playing

Showing the Messy Playing stage - painted by Painting Around is Fun as we discover how to paint a group artwork
How to Paint a Group Artwork – Do a layer of ‘Messy Playing’ to help them relax.

In the “Messy Playing” stage, the focus is on covering the canvas with a variety of playful, spontaneous marks. Circles, spirals, and simple mark making ideas are encouraged. Circles can take on many forms, like blobs, ovals, or dots. This approach allows for a mix of both large and small shapes to emerge naturally. If in doubt, I always suggest adding another circle, some raindrop-like marks, or dashes that resemble pouring rain. Each of these marks has a simple, accessible name to make it easy for everyone to follow along. I remind participants that we’ve already made a mess. From here, the only way is up. It can only get better! This mess provides a wonderful base to build on, with layers peeking through to the final design.

Messy Playing allows people to access their creativity and relax into the process. They dive in, move around the canvas, and overlap shapes. This adds depth and visual interest. It brings the artwork to life in a dynamic and exciting way.

How to Paint a Group Artwork Step 3: Exploring

Showing the exploring stage - painted by Painting Around is Fun as we discover how to paint a group artwork
How to Paint a Group Artwork – Explore Layering Simple Patterns Next

In the “Exploring” stage, we start refining the artwork. We use brushes that progress from medium to smaller as the layers build. We continue adding and decorating circles while layering vibrant patterns from my ‘Pattern Play‘ visual resources. There are over 100 accessible and simple patterns to choose from. I introduce them a few at a time. This approach avoids overwhelming the participants. Offering 3 to 5 choices makes the process smoother, embodying the idea that “Creativity Loves Constraints.” It’s much easier to choose between a handful of options. This is far better than deciding from 100 ideas or being told, “Do whatever you like.” The ‘Exploring’ stage can continue for weeks, even throughout the year!. You can also start your own collaborative art project by joining my email list below.

How to Paint a Group Artwork Step 4: Bling!

Showing the Bling stage (in detail) - painted by Painting Around is Fun as we discover how to paint a group artwork
How to Paint a Group Artwork – Decorate With Paint Pens and Stickers

The “Bling!” layer is where the artwork truly shines—literally! This stage is all about ornamentation and decoration, adding that final touch of visual flair. We use paint pens to layer more patterns, outlining and decorating the lines and shapes created earlier. This adds depth, sophistication, and intricate detail to the painting. For an extra touch of sparkle, participants love adding bursts of glitter glue. Some projects call for us to use nail polish to create flashes of glimmer! This playful ornamentation brings the artwork to life, transforming it into a dazzling, dynamic piece.

How to Paint a Group Artwork Step 5: Finishing Touches

After the group has completed their part, I take the artwork home for about an hour of editing. This involves tidying up the edges. It includes enhancing focal areas and subtly bringing out the “voice” of the piece. This is done without altering its essence. It is much like how an editor refines writing while preserving the original intent. I paint the edges in a neutral grey. Then, I label the back with the artwork’s title. I also include my name as the social art guide. Depending on the project, I incorporate the names of the painters into the artwork. I hide them in plain sight as a lasting tribute to their contribution.


How to Paint a Group Artwork: In conclusion

Learning how to paint a group artwork is all about embracing creativity, collaboration, and fun. Participants start with a carefully prepared underpainting (Step 1). This helps them overcome the fear of the blank canvas. They then dive into Messy Playing (Step 2). During this step, playful marks and overlapping layers create a lively base. The Exploring stage (Step 3) introduces accessible patterns that refine the artwork with thoughtful choices, while the Bling! layer (Step 4) adds sparkle and intricate details for a vibrant finish. Finally, the project is completed with subtle Finishing Touches (Step 5). This ensures the artwork reflects both the group’s effort. It also captures its unique voice.


Discover simple tips about how to paint a group artwork. Join my Inner Circle email list. I’ll give you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”. It’s my free 7 page guide. It makes it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork using this fun style of collaborative art.

Happy Painting! Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.


Let’s Chat:

If you have a question about how to create a group artwork, drop it in the comment box below. You can also send me a message via the contact form. I’d love to help build your confidence to do this with a group you support.

Blog post: Creating Connections: Engaging Students in Whole Class Collaborative Artwork by Painting Around is Fun! Featuring 'King Leo', 'Our Messy Mandala' and 'Fiery Circle Paintings', all created with primary or elementary school children as a whole class collaborative artwork. Showing a close up of King Leo, a collaborative painted paper collage painting of a lion with a spiraling red mane on a blue background.

Creating Connections: Engaging Students in Whole Class Collaborative Artworks

At Marion Primary School Vacation Care and OSHC, the children engaged in various collaborative artwork projects as a whole class. These activities fostered creativity, teamwork, and self-expression. These projects were designed to be inclusive. They aimed to be engaging. Each participant contributed their unique flair while working toward a shared artistic vision. The students experimented with vibrant circle paintings and messy mandala. They also created their school’s lion mascot. They explored the dynamic nature of collaborative art. The students embraced spontaneity and creative freedom.

Whole Class Collaborative Artwork 1: King Leo

Blog post: Creating Connections: Engaging Students in Whole Class Collaborative Artwork by Painting Around is Fun! Featuring 'King Leo', created with primary or elementary school children as a whole class collaborative artwork.
Creating Connections: Engaging Students in Whole Class Collaborative Artworks – King Leo

In 2022, Marion Primary School Vacation Care began a collaborative artwork project. The whole class worked together to bring their lion mascot, King Leo, to life. This social art initiative involved over 30 children and staff. They worked together in multiple stages. The project began with the Messy Play phase. During this phase, they created textured painted papers in warm colors and blues. The children enhanced their scissor skills by cutting Leo’s mane from spirals and circles. Then, they assembled it. After assembling, they added intricate embellishments using paint pens, patterns, and glitter. The final artwork was proudly displayed at the Westfield Marion Art Story. It was admired by many. A print was gifted to each student to commemorate their contribution. This whole class collaborative artwork serves as a lasting reminder of the school’s value of ‘Integrity.’ King Leo now watches over their rooms.​

Whole Class Collaborative Artwork 2: Fiery Circle Paintings

Blog post: Creating Connections: Engaging Students in Whole Class Collaborative Artwork by Painting Around is Fun! Featuring 'Fiery Circle Paintings', created with primary or elementary school children as a whole class collaborative artwork.
Creating Connections: Engaging Students in Whole Class Collaborative Artworks – Our Fiery Circle Paintings

In another creative endeavour, Marion Primary School Vacation Care created a project called ‘Our Fiery Circle Paintings’. The children began by preparing a vibrant ‘underpainting ‘Messy Playing’ stage. They used warm tones, focusing on reds, oranges, and yellows to create a lively, dynamic background. The children freely painted and overlapped circles and blobs, eggs and ovals. They layered clusters of these circular shapes in varying sizes, using both brushes and sponges to build depth and texture. During the ‘Exploring’ stage, the emphasis was on overlapping and adding simple patterns. These actions helped integrate the colours and patterns into a cohesive whole. This expressive, whole class collaborative artwork beautifully celebrated their creativity. It captured the energy and spirit of the group through their unique contributions​. The children worked together on the 20 small canvases. They moved around and added their flair to each one. The children left their unique marks on all of them. I call these projects joint collaborations. The kids then drew on their canvas randomly. They added stick on gems for the BLING to personalise it. Each took an artwork home, knowing they all worked on them together.

Whole Class Collaborative Artwork 3: Messy Mandala

Blog post: Creating Connections: Engaging Students in Whole Class Collaborative Artwork by Painting Around is Fun! Featuring 'Our Messy Mandala', created with primary or elementary school children as a whole class collaborative artwork.
Creating Connections: Engaging Students in Whole Class Collaborative Artworks – Our Messy Mandala

One of the standout projects from the Marion Primary School OSHC program was ‘Our Messy Mandala’. This collaborative art piece encouraged the children to work together. They explored radial patterns and practiced spontaneous mark-making. This all occurred within a structured, accessible process. The group used a mix of bright cool colours. They applied paint in layers to create a vibrant, circular design. This design shows the universe, as all mandalas do. Each child added their unique flair. They experimented with shapes and patterns. This resulted in a mandala that was both chaotic and harmonious. This whole class collaborative artwork highlighted the power of group creativity and left a lasting impression on the participants. It now decorates the school library for the whole school to admire.​

Whole Class Collaborative Artworks: In conclusion

Each of these projects showcased the power of whole class collaborative artwork. From the fiery circle paintings to the intricate messy mandala, each was a symbol to this power. The final results were greater than the sum of individual efforts. Through my unique ‘Pattern Play Collaborative Art’ process—moving through the stages of ‘Messy Playing’, ‘Exploring’, and ‘Bling!’—the children at Marion Primary discovered the joy of artistic collaboration. Whether layering colours, adding embellishments, or crafting patterns, they experienced the magic of creating something beautiful together, celebrating the creativity and diversity of their contributions​


Discover simple tips about how you can create whole class collaborative artworks like these. Join my Inner Circle email list. I’ll give you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”, my free 7 page guide. It makes it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork using this fun style of collaborative art.

Happy Painting! Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.


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How would you like to explore whole class collaborative artwork in your school or community? This approach blends creativity and teamwork in one vibrant project.

Art Article: Bringing Creativity Together: How To Start Collaborative Art Projects At Home showing one of the 12 completed artworks submitted to the Incognito Art Show in 2024

Bringing Creativity Together: How To Start Collaborative Art Projects At Home

If you’re wondering how to start collaborative art projects at home, my Pattern Play Collaborative Art style offers a fun and simple way to get started. Using just three stages—Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling—you can create vibrant, layered artworks with family or friends. Our recent entry for the Incognito Art Show 2024 followed this process, bringing together our unique ideas into a cohesive and exciting piece, while giving the kids a hands-on experience in creating and exhibiting their art.

How To Start Collaborative Art Projects At Home 1: Messy Playing

Our family project for the Incognito Art Show 2024 was a joint creation with my kids. After registering, we received three A6 cardboard panels, and instead of working on them separately, we taped the backs together with blue tape to form one large piece. I started by creating a blue and white marbled background, and then we dove into the Messy Playing stage together.

Using black conte crayons, we all added gestural drawings across the panels. With big brushes in hand, we layered large, repeating shapes over the drawings, working as a team. I encouraged everyone to add something to each section with every layer and overlap the edges, connecting all the parts of our artwork. It was such a fun and spontaneous process that brought our creativity together.

How To Start Collaborative Art Projects At Home 2: Exploring

For the Exploring stage, we each added new layers, with every pass using a different colour and pattern. My son was particularly drawn to the infinity symbol, and he boldly incorporated it into every panel, turning it into a central motif. We worked with a limited colour scheme of blue, orange, and pink, along with pops of black for contrast. By mixing in white, we created variations in the colours, making each layer more dynamic and adding depth to the patterns.

How To Start Collaborative Art Projects At Home 3: Bling!

For the final Bling stage, we each took one of the three panels and personalised them with paint pens and fine liners. Everyone brought their own ideas to life, adding unique details and patterns. It was exciting to see how differently we approached this stage! Once finished, we named our artworks based on what we could see emerging from the designs, which made the process even more fun and meaningful. After completing the backs and adding our details, we uploaded the information to the website and sent our entries back to Sydney, New South Wales, for the exhibition.

How To Start Collaborative Art Projects At Home : In Conclusion

How to Start Collaborative Art Projects at Home is as simple as gathering a few materials and letting creativity flow. Our family’s entry for the Incognito Art Show, where each artwork sells for $100 and the artist remains anonymous until after purchase, was a perfect example of this. From the Messy Playing stage of adding gestural drawings and large shapes, to the Exploring stage of layering colours and patterns, and finally the Bling stage where we each personalised a piece, the entire process was a fun and meaningful experience. The profits from the sales support studios like Studio A, which provides opportunities for artists living with disabilities. It’s always exciting to hear from the collectors who purchase our works, and the kids loved the experience of creating, exhibiting, and selling their art within the safety of a family project.


Discover more simple tips about how to start collaborative art projects at home like these. Join my Inner Circle email list and I’ll give you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”, my free 7 page guide making it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork using this fun style of collaborative art.

Happy Painting! Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.


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If you have questions about how to start collaborative art projects at home – just ask below, or contact me though that page, I’ll be happy to answer them.

Group Art Mural Examples: The Find Your Courage and Find Your Courage Murals by Painting Around is Fun!

Creative Teamwork in Group Art Murals: Success Stories

Introducing You To Two Group Art Mural Examples: The ‘Find Your Confidence’ and ‘Find Your Courage’ Murals

Collaborative art projects offer a unique and empowering experience, especially for young people who may not realise their creative potential. At Aberfoyle Park High School, two recent group art murals were created. “Find Your Confidence” (2022) focused on fostering confidence among year ten and eleven girls. “Find Your Courage” (2023) aimed to develop courage and teamwork in another, larger group of year 10 and eleven girls. These large-scale examples of public group art murals transformed blank walls into vibrant expressions of creativity. They also encouraged students to embrace the process of working together. The students achieved something remarkable.

A Group Art Mural Example: The ‘Find Your Confidence’ Mural

Group Art Mural Examples: The Find Your Confidence Mural Created by Teenagers showing the work in progress.
A Group Art Mural Example: The ‘Find Your Confidence’ Mural

In 2022, the “Find Your Confidence” group art mural at Aberfoyle Park High School was created. A group of year ten and eleven girls worked on it. This was part of a collaborative art project. The goal was to boost their confidence through public art. The process began with Messy Playing. Participants used large brushes and sponges to prime the wall. They then painted vibrant circles and patterns in warm colours. As the mural evolved, artists added layers of accessible patterns. They then culminated with a final touch of “bling” using paint pens, glitter, and even nail polish! The mural became a colorful and inspiring focal point in the school. It reminds the students of the power of teamwork. It also encourages them to try something new and see what they can achieve. They can do more than they think is possible…

Another Group Art Mural Example: The ‘Find Your Courage’ Mural

Group Art Mural Examples: The Find Your Courage Mural Created by Teenagers showing the work in progress.
A Group Art Mural Example: The ‘Find Your Courage’ Mural

In 2023, 18 year ten and eleven girls took part in the “Find Your Courage” group art mural. This event was held at Aberfoyle Park High School. It was created to help build their confidence through a public art project. The mural started with Messy Playing. Large brushes and rollers were used to prime the wall. Then, they painted circles, blended colours, and added spirals and patterns. Layers of accessible patterns were added to enhance visual interest, focusing on overlapping and refining details. The final “bling” layer included intricate designs using paint pens, with each student’s name hidden within the mural. This group art mural became an inspiring centerpiece at the school. It symbolizes courage and collaboration. Students admire it every day as they visit and walk past the canteen. The girls received 10 SACE points. These points went towards their High School Diploma. This was for the program that included this mural project, along with other community based activities.

A Brief Summary About These Group Art Mural Examples:

Both “Find Your Confidence” and “Find Your Courage” are inspiring examples of group art murals. They highlight the power of collaboration and creativity in public spaces. These projects allowed the students to explore their artistic abilities while learning the importance of teamwork and self-expression. The resulting murals have become lasting symbols of courage and confidence within the school. They remind everyone that working together can lead to truly amazing results.


Discover simple tips about how group art mural examples like these can be created by YOU. Join my Inner Circle email list below and I’ll give you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”. It is my free 7-page guide. It makes it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork using this fun style of collaborative art.

Happy Painting! Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.


Let’s Chat:

Have you ever been part of a collaborative project like these group art mural examples? What elements make group art projects, like “Find Your Confidence” and “Find Your Courage,” powerful? They build creativity and foster teamwork.

Article about a full class art activity by Painting Around is Fun - visit the Blog.

Engage Every Student with a Full Class Art Activity: Discover Growing Together, Our Messy Mandala and Our Playgroup People Painting

Transform your classroom’s confidence and creativity. Use a full class art activity that engages every student. Make sure it is in a safe, collaborative environment. Projects like these inspire students to explore their creativity together. They can do so through the vibrant layers of the Messy Mandala. Or through the community spirit of Our Playgroup People Painting. Another way is through the expressive patterns of Growing Together. With every brushstroke, they’ll create beautiful art. They will also build a stronger, more confident classroom community. They develop their calming and regulatory skills as they become absorbed into a full class art activity.

A Full Class Art Activity: Growing Together

This full class art activity by Painting Around is Fun was created with primary and elementary school students.
A Full Class Art Activity with Children

The Growing Together project is a perfect example. It shows how a full class art activity can bring students together. This collaboration is vibrant and collaborative. This artwork was created with 30 children from Forbes Primary School Vacation Care. It began with messy, playful mark-making. This process allowed everyone to contribute freely, regardless of age or ability. As the project evolved, each child added their own unique patterns and colours. They layered spirals, dots, and shapes. These elements celebrated their individuality. By the end, the collective creation was a visual reminder of the joy and connection they experienced while painting together. This project transformed a blank canvas. Actually, it was a three-piece screen that we re-painted. It also built a sense of unity and pride within the class. It showed how a simple art activity can grow into a powerful shared experience.

A Full Class Art Activity: Messy Mandala

This full class art activity by Painting Around is Fun was created with primary and elementary school students.
A Full Class Art Activity with School Kids

Our Messy Mandala is an engaging full class art activity. It encourages students to explore their creativity. It also helps students build confidence through collaboration. This project was created over three sessions with 38 painters. It began with a dynamic underpainting. Each student contributed spontaneous marks, swirls, and shapes in vibrant colours. From there, the class filled the three-panel canvas screen with layered circles. They added spirals and patterns to create a stunning mandala. This lovely artwork shows the collective energy of the group. This standing screen is now proudly displayed in the school library. It is a beautiful reminder of what can be achieved when the whole class comes together. The project transformed blank panels into a vibrant artwork. It embodied the harmony. It also embodied the creativity that a full class art activity can inspire.

A Full Class Art Activity: Our Playgroup People Painting

This full class art activity by Painting Around is Fun was created with preschoolers.
A Full Class Art Activity with Preschoolers

Our Playgroup People Painting showcases the transformative power of a full class art activity in a playgroup setting. Over the course of a year, 20 participants contributed to this evolving mixed media canvas. They ranged from toddlers to adults. The participants added layer upon layer of colour, techniques, and materials. Each week, a new element was introduced. This process built a rich, eye-catching surface. It celebrated the spontaneity and creativity of process art. The focus was on the joy of creation. It was not on the final outcome. The collaboration naturally encouraged social skills. These include sharing, cooperating, and complimenting. This process also helped in developing fine and gross motor skills. The end result was this unique and vibrant artwork. It was mainly created by preschoolers and reflects the exploration, creativity, and fun shared throughout the year. This project beautifully illustrates that a full class art activity can nurture artistic expression. It also fosters social growth. This creates a sense of pride and accomplishment for everyone involved.

A Full Class Art Activity: In Conclusion.

Collaborative art projects like Our Messy Mandala, Our Playgroup People Painting, and Growing Together offer a powerful method. They transform your classroom’s confidence. They also enhance creativity. By engaging every student in a safe and inclusive environment, these activities foster a sense of community and shared accomplishment. Guide your students as they create artworks like these. Notice how their enthusiasm grows. Their teamwork strengthens with every colourful layer. Take this chance to create a more connected and creative classroom. Use a full class art activity that leaves everyone feeling proud. It also inspires them! Visit my collaborative art shop to buy the exact resources I use to create my projects.


Discover simple tips about how you can create a full class art activity like these. Join my Inner Circle email list and I’ll send you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”. It’s my free 7-page guide. It makes it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork using this fun style of collaborative art. Try it out with your family and friends then use it in your classroom, community group or art studio.

Happy Painting! Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.


Let’s Chat: Have you ever tried a full class art activity in your classroom? What was the experience like for you and your students? Share your thoughts and ideas below!