A work in progress for the Utopia series painted by Painting Around is Fun as we create collaborative art at home.

How to Create Collaborative Art at Home

In this article, I’ll show you how to create collaborative art at home. I use a simple and engaging process called Pattern Play Collaborative Art. This style focuses on three key stages: Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling. The photos you’ll see are all work-in-progress snapshots. I’m creating this group artwork with my kids. Some friends join in if they happen by when we are painting. We work with one colour per session, which lasts as little as ten minutes. This project is part of our Utopia series. The series is inspired by the stunning comic book illustrations from the science fiction show of the same name.

Our limited colour scheme—featuring aqua, crimson, yellow, light green, and purple—keeps things cohesive while allowing for creative freedom. By mixing in white, we create variations of these colours. This adds plenty of playful options. At the same time, it maintains a unified look. With the structured spontaneity of Pattern Play, each layer builds on the next. It creates a rich and collaborative canvas. Anyone can contribute to and enjoy this process – you, too! Be sure to join my email list below…

Create Collaborative Art at Home 1: Underpainting

The first step in creating collaborative art at home is the Underpainting stage. For the Utopia series, this stage uses a vibrant colour scheme of aqua and crimson. Imagine starting with an aqua background, randomly scattered with blotches of crimson across the surface. This foundation instantly sparks creativity, offering something for everyone to interact with. The underpainting eases participants into the process. It provides a messy, visually interesting canvas to overlap and build upon. This makes the whole experience relaxed and engaging from the start.

Create Collaborative Art at Home 2: Messy Playing

The next stage is Messy Playing, where the fun truly begins. For this Utopia project, participants grab one colour from the vibrant Utopia colour scheme. They start making big circles, spirals, and random marks across the surface. Using just one colour makes decisions easy. It allows everyone to focus on experimenting with the size and flow of their shapes. This stage encourages playful creativity without the pressure of comparison. It’s easy to copy what others are doing. Nevertheless, each contribution still feels unique and part of the larger, collaborative artwork. I have my simple ‘Pattern Play’ visual resources on hand for the painters to look at. They are encouraged to pick one idea to copy onto the artwork in a few different sizes or places. We have 6 artworks in this series. I encourage them to add each mark cluster, pattern, or their own idea into each canvas in some way.

Create Collaborative Art at Home 3: Exploring, and on and on…

The Exploring stage is where the artwork starts to take on a life of its own. For this project, we use one colour at a time. We add circles, spirals, and patterns. These elements overlap the earlier layers. Participants are encouraged to vary the sizes of their shapes. They are encouraged to interact with each other’s contributions by outlining shapes with a different colour. Adding dots or dashes around or radiating from a form is also encouraged. Alternatively, participants can create clusters of intricate patterns. This stage flows naturally, continuing for as long as we like. Since our minds enjoy focusing on one colour at a time, the surface becomes visually richer with each layer. We also switch to medium and smaller brushes, adding even more variety and detail to these collaborative artworks.

The Exploring stage can be as long-lasting as your creativity allows. With this project, the Exploring stage can continue to evolve throughout the year! This is akin to the project you can start by joining my email list below. This ongoing process lets the artwork grow richer over time. Participants keep adding new layers, colours, and patterns. This makes the experience a continuously rewarding journey of creativity and collaboration. it’s minimal in terms of time and inventory to manage. You need just a few brushes and tubes of paint. Some paper cups and a plastic table cloth or some newspaper are helpful. Even an old towel will do.

Create Collaborative Art at Home 4: BLING!

The final stage is Bling!, where we add those extra touches that make the artwork truly shine. In this example, I’ve only added a little bling because the Exploring stage is still underway. You can see some playful use of paint pens for demonstration purposes. The Bling stage is all about embellishing the artwork with paint pens, glitter glue, dot stickers, or even sharpies. These small, detailed elements add pops of colour visual interest, giving the piece that extra bit of flair. This stage can be subtle or bold, depending on the mood and creativity of the group. As the project continues, more bling can be added over time, making the artwork even more layered and dynamic.

Create Collaborative Art at Home: In Conclusion

Create collaborative art at home with friends and family. Follow these three simple stages: Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling. This easy-to-follow process, part of my Pattern Play Collaborative Art style, encourages creativity for all ages and skill levels. With our Utopia series, we’ve used a limited but vibrant colour scheme. We added layers of circles, spirals, and patterns. This creates a cohesive, evolving artwork. Whether you’re working with kids or adults, this method provides a fun and spontaneous way to get creative. It lets you express creativity one colour and session at a time!

Discover simple tips about how best to create collaborative art at home. Join my Inner Circle email list. You’ll get “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:

How have you created collaborative art at home with your friends and family? I started doing this when my oldest son, who is now 19, was a toddler. We had a canvas that we pulled out whenever we wanted and did some process art playing on it. The process I have developed makes that so much easier. Add some simple ‘Pattern Play’ ideas for the kids to copy. These ideas build their fine and gross motor skills and enhance their decision making. They also improve their cooperative and people skills. This gives them pride in developing an interesting artwork over time.

Build Companionship, Conversation and Community with Collaborative Art Events featuring 'Companionship', a collaborative artwork created by over 300 people.

Collaborative Art Events: Uniting Communities Through Creativity

Collaborative art events offer a fresh and engaging approach to audience engagement. These events invite participants to contribute actively to the creation of a shared artwork. They foster a sense of community. They promote creativity and offer a unique and memorable experience. This article will explore the benefits of incorporating collaborative art events into exhibitions. It will give examples of successful projects. These projects have brought diverse people together to create stunning and meaningful works of art.

Collaborative Art Events: Adding a Unique Form of Community Engagement to Your Exhibition.

Collaborative Art Events - Myriad in Harmony collaborative artwork created at the Myriad Exhibition at the State Library of South Australia by people of all ages. — Collaborative Art Events – Community Art Project

The collaborative social art project at the Myriad Exhibition provided an exciting platform for visitors. They engaged in creative expression while visiting the art exhibition. It highlighted the artworks of artists living and creating with disabilities. Participants engaged in three structured stages over three consecutive days. The stages were Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling. They explored warm colours with different sized brushes against a blue background. The project fostered a sense of community and collaboration. Visitors worked together to create this intricate and visually appealing artwork. It looks like it was created by one person. This collaborative art event enhanced the interactive nature of the exhibition. It showcases its potential to promote social inclusion and understanding. This is especially noticeable among the visitors to the exhibition which is organised annually by Community Living Australia. This wonderfully inclusive exhibition was held at The State Library of South Australia.

Collaborative Art Events: Bringing Diverse People Together to Create a Unique Artwork.

Collaborative Art Events - 'Companionship' the most important people skill - getting together with other people to create this cool coloured swirling artwork, painted by hundreds of people of all ages. — Collaborative Art Events – Create a Collective Artwork

Community art events are valuable platforms for individuals to connect. I had the absolute thrill to join in the Inaugural Art Story at Westfield Marion. These events allow individuals to express themselves creatively. They also help build a sense of community. This project involved over 600 participants. It offered daily open studio sessions. Visitors wandering through Westfield collaborated on three large-scale artworks. Through my series of structured stages, including messy playing, exploring circles and patterns, and decorative embellishment, the ‘BLING!’ participants were encouraged to experiment with various artistic techniques and contribute to the collective creation. This artwork is titled “Companionship.” It focuses on simply being with others as a fundamental human need. This underscores the importance of social interaction and community building. The creative process can be integral to achieving this aim.

Collaborative Art Events: Bringing Everyday People Together to Paint a Colourful Artwork as a Group.

collaborative art events - 'community' collaborative social art project created by Painting Around is Fun by hundreds of community members. — Collaborative Art Events: Create a Community Artwork.

Community is a powerful concept that can be expressed through art. The Inaugural Art Story at Westfield Marion showcased this idea. It was accomplished through a collaborative social project. This project involved over 600 participants who created three large scale artworks. Over two weeks, attendees of all ages and backgrounds came together to create this vibrant and dynamic artwork titled “Community.” Participants used various techniques. They engaged in messy playing, exploring, and adding bling. These activities added layers of colour. They also added texture to a red and green underpainting, as a stark white canvas is intimidating. The resulting piece was a symbol of collective creativity. It visually represented the interconnectedness and diversity that define a community.

In Conclusion: Why Should We Consider Collaborative Art Events?

Collaborative art events offer a unique and enriching experience for both participants and spectators. These events foster a sense of community. They promote creativity and offer a platform for self-expression. They bring diverse people together to create a shared artwork. The examples discussed in this article show that collaborative art events can engage audiences effectively. They spark conversations and create lasting memories. By incorporating such events into your exhibitions, you can add a dynamic and interactive element. This approach will leave a lasting impression on your visitors.

Discover simple tips on how YOU can create group artworks. You can make art like those from my collaborative art events. Do it right in your own home. Join my Inner Circle email list and 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 my fun style of collaborative art.

Let’s Chat: Would you like to help create an artwork at a collaborative art event? What’s a setting where such a project would effectively bring people together? Maybe I can try that out in my local community too.

team art ideas 'Safety', an artwork created by a group of teenagers in a Young Carer Collective Team.

Inspiring Team Art Ideas for Creative Collaboration

team art ideas - 'Find Your Confidence' collaborative art mural project

team art ideas - collaborative art project called 'Safety'

Team Art Ideas: Get Your Group Together and Create Unique Art!

Collaborative art is a great way to get your team together and creating. I have three examples of team art ideas to share with you in this article. The examples include creating a mural with teenagers, creating an artwork with teenagers, and creating an artwork with adults. These examples include any age or ability level. They are just like all the collaborative artworks you’ll find on Painting Around is FUN! Painting around each other is just that. It’s a fun way to be companionable. You create something beautiful together and can be proud of your achievements working as a team.

team art ideas - 'Find Your Confidence' mural detail by Painting Around is Fun Social art projects created by a group of teenagers — Team Art Ideas: Create a Mural Together.

Team Art Ideas: Create a Collaborative Mural as a Team!

Our “Find Your Confidence” collaborative social art mural took place at Aberfoyle Park High School. It engaged a group of year 10 and 11 girls. They used team art ideas to build confidence through a large public art project. We began with Messy Playing, covering the wall with tinted primer using big brushes, rollers, and textured sponges. The girls then painted circles in warm colours, adding spirals and patterns to create visual interest. Layers of accessible patterns followed in the exploring stage, and we completed the mural with a final BLING! layer, using paint pens, glitter glue, and nail polish to add unique flourishes, responding creatively to each other’s work.

team art ideas - safety artwork by Painting Around is Fun Social art projects created by a group of teenagers in a Young Carers Collective. — Team Art Ideas: Create a Painting Together.

Team Art Ideas: Create a Collaborative Artwork as a Team!

The “Safety” collaborative social art project was created in 2022 with Carers SA’s Young Carer Collective. It explored team art ideas. These ideas represent why young carers aged 12-18 feel safe at Carers SA. Using cool colours symbolising safety, the group started with circles, ovals, and spirals that overlapped across the canvases. Drawing from my ‘Pattern Play’ inspirations, they added unique decorations and overlapping patterns. Small brushes were used to build layers of patterns, while meaningful words representing safety were added as text-based decorations. The young carers names were also hidden within the artwork, adding a personal touch to the collective piece.

team art ideas - circles of connection artwork by Painting Around is Fun Social art projects — Team Art Ideas: Create a Painting Together.

Team Art Ideas: Create a Collaborative Artwork as a Team!

This collaborative art project is called ‘Circles of Connection’. It was created with the Mums from the Australian Parent Carer peer support group called ‘My Time‘. It used team art ideas to relieve the stresses of raising children with special needs. The project achieved this through collaborative painting. The project started on a bright yellow ‘happy canvas.’ Everyone painted circles and moved around to overlap each other’s work. They outlined each other’s work, then used stencils to add more layers and visual interest. Stamps, dots, and bling like colourful stick-on gems and white and black paint added final touches. The artwork was completed over multiple sessions. This involved more carers. It serves as a lasting reminder of their shared creativity. The artwork decorates our meeting room to this day!

These team art ideas offer a powerful way to foster teamwork. They also boost creativity. This is clear in the diverse projects we’ve covered here. At Aberfoyle Park High School, the girls built confidence through a collaborative public mural. They used circles, patterns, and layers of bling. The Carers SA “Safety” project allowed young carers to express their feelings of security through overlapping designs and words. Meanwhile, the “My Time” carers group used a bright yellow canvas to create a stress-relieving artwork. They added stencils, stamps, and gems for a personal touch. These projects show how collaborative art encourages connection and creativity, leaving lasting impressions on participants. All are excellent ‘team art’ ideas you can adapt for your own groups.

Discover simple tips to create team art ideas using collaborative art examples like these. 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 my fun style of collaborative art.

Let’s Chat:

How can you use team art ideas to foster teamwork in group settings? How can these ideas enhance creativity in environments like schools or support groups?

Article: Collaborative Art Projects for Kids: Creating 'Our Fiery Circle Paintings' Together by Painting Around is Fun!

Creative Collaborative Art Projects for Kids

Collaborative Art Projects for Kids: by Painting Around is Fun showing a work in progress in the Messy Playing stage of Pattern Play Collaborative Art. — Collaborative Art Projects for Kids: – Messy Playing

Collaborative Art Projects for Kids: by Painting Around is Fun showing a work in progress in the Exploring stage of Pattern Play Collaborative Art. — Collaborative Art Projects for Kids: – Messy Playing

Embracing Culture Through Collaborative Art Projects for Kids

Collaborative artworks for kids offer an exciting way to blend creativity. They also help with cultural learning. Our Fiery Circles project took place during Vietnamese Culture Day. It provided an opportunity for children to express themselves artistically. They celebrated the Vietnamese cultural heritage of some of the students. This celebration gave them great pride. The project had three stages: Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling. Each stage contributed uniquely to the final artwork. The children covered canvases freely with vibrant colours. They explored patterns. Through this, they learned to collaborate and connect through the joy of painting. Each child added personal touches to their work. This resulted in a beautiful, collective artistic expression. The work reflected the multicultural pride that is part of Australian life.

Collaborative Art Projects for Kids: Messy Playing and Cultural Connection

The first step in creating collaborative art projects for kids is embracing the Messy Playing stage. This stage allows children to dive into the creative process without fear of mistakes. For our Fiery Circles project, the children explored the joy of painting during their Vacation Care Program. They covered 20 canvases with colourful circles. They filled the canvases with layers of circles. They used warm hues to engage with each other playfully and uninhibitedly. This stage was key to setting the foundation for their expressive and collaborative creation. We used a warm colour scheme because these colours harmonise when used together. ‘Creativity loves constraints’ means having fewer choices leads to more creativity. The kids aren’t worrying about how two colours mix into a gross grey colour. Instead, they can only blend into a related colour that works. This gives them confidence to play around, and build new skills and confidence.

Collaborative Art Projects for Kids: Exploring Simple Patterns

The canvases were filled with vibrant circles. The children then entered the Exploring stage. During this stage, they added different types of decorations to their collaborative circles. Inspired by the patterns found in nature, they painted concentric rings, radial flowers, and spirals. They added simple dots and dashes to and around the circles of so many sizes. This exploration of patterns allowed the children to think about the impact of cooperation on our art. They connected with each other in a meaningful, hands-on way. Some kids worked individually, others joined their efforts – both modes of working were encouraged. Through shared creativity, they built layers of visual interest and collaborative awareness in their artwork.

‘Circle Painting’ is a form of collaborative painting. This style was developed by contemporary Vietnamese and American artist Hiep Nguyen. He is a teacher at CirclePainting.org. Circles are the easiest way for people of any age to start painting, as circles make people happy! A circle can be nice and round. For our projects they can also be an oval, a blob, or swirl into a spiral. They may explode into a radial sun! The kids are reassured there are no wrong shapes. They can play around creatively. They can also move around the table to add their marks to all the different canvases. They are encouraged to overlap the edges and the work of others to dispel perfectionism. It’s simply paint, and any perceived error can be painted over. You can add to the ideas of others as they respond to what you are doing. This is a very important part of what we do in this style of collaborative art – embracing overlapping!

Collaborative Art Projects for Kids: by Painting Around is Fun showing "Our Fiery Circles" just before the NLING stage of Pattern Play Collaborative Art. — Collaborative Art Projects for Kids: – Exploring

Collaborative Art Projects for Kids: Adding Bling and Personal Flair

The final step in creating collaborative art projects for kids is the Bling stage. In this stage, children personalise their pieces with embellishments. After completing the group painting, each child participated in a random draw to select one of the 20 canvases. They added their own final touches of ‘bling.’ These included dot and gem stickers. This made their piece uniquely theirs before taking it home. The joy of personalising their artwork capped off a successful project. At the same time, the kids created a strip version of the project. They used strong kraft paper. This version is now displayed in the school. It celebrates both creativity and cultural pride.

Conclusion: The Joy of Collaborative Art Projects for Kids

The Fiery Circles project shows the impact of collaborative art projects for kids. It fosters creativity. They also promote cultural connection. The children experienced the joy of working together through Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling. They added personal flair to a shared project. Each child learned about the impact of a modern Vietnamese artist. They added their own individual expression. This allowed them to feel included and proud of their contribution. The exhibition of the strip painting at the school assembly serves as a lasting reminder of their collective effort. It highlights their creativity. The painting showcases the power of art to bring people together.

Discover simple tips helping YOU to create collaborative art projects for kids like these. Become a member of my Inner Circle email group. 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 an artwork using this style of collaborative art.

Let’s Chat:

How can collaborative art projects for kids help foster creativity and cultural connection in your community? What’s a cultural group you would gain from exploring collectively as a group?

Social Art Activities for Preschoolers: Engaging Ideas for Little Artists

Engaging Social Art Activities for Preschoolers

Social art activities for preschoolers - layered collaborative painting

Social art activities for preschoolers - layered collaborative painting in limited colours

Collaborative art is a fantastic way to nurture creativity in preschoolers while developing essential skills in a fun, interactive environment. Through these social art activities, preschool children explore different artistic techniques. They also build important physical and social abilities. Collaborative art projects enhance hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. They also foster cooperation and people skills. These projects offer endless opportunities for little ones to learn through play. In this article, you’ll discover engaging ideas. These ideas highlight how social art can support hand-eye coordination. They also promote the development of people skills and encourage cooperation and collective play. Let’s dive into these creative activities designed especially for young artists.

Social Art Activities for Preschoolers: Collaborative Art Builds Hand Eye Coordination.

Repeated exposure to activities naturally builds hand dexterity, muscle strength, hand-eye coordination, and confidence. With collaborative social art activities like ‘Mia’s Rose’ shown here, countless short ‘Let’s Paint!’ sessions resulted in this abstract painting. Visitors often think it’s a professionally purchased piece, only to discover my daughter started it at just 18 months old. We kept it simple. We used a limited colour palette—blue, pink, and white. We applied one tool or technique per session. This included stamping with a balloon. We used a large brush one day and a smaller one the next. Another technique was dripping paint outdoors. We also tried marble painting by rolling a paint-covered marble inside a taped-down paper plate. Anything goes! You can easily do this at home with your own children. It’s a minimalist project that lets you revisit the same canvas throughout the year, adding to it gradually. The limited colour scheme keeps the piece visually cohesive, while the focus remains on fun and skill-building.

Social Art Activities for Preschoolers: Collaborative Art Supports The Intrinsic Development of People Skills.

‘Painting Around’ each other is FUN! This simple social art activity for preschoolers occurs once a week. It involves layering various process art techniques over a canvas for a year. While engaging in these creative tasks, children naturally develop key people skills. They practice cooperation, compromise, sharing, and communication as they work together or independently. They copy and compliment each other. They exchange ideas and share equipment. All of this happens while building these essential social skills in small, meaningful moments.

Each session focused on a simple activity. We’d paint with a single colour, or add cut or torn printed papers by collage (three more skills!), or use foam stickers to trace around or paint over. A particularly exciting process involved using nail polish pots. The kids can grip these tightly in one hand. They used the tiny brush to paint. Forget short attention spans. These little artists were fully engaged. They used the nail polish pots for 20-minute stretches. They eagerly wanted to do it again the next week! This simple, captivating activity became a favorite. It showed how absorbed preschoolers can become when given the right tools to explore their creativity. We also layered stencils with sponging, added gem stickers, and even rolled toy cars through paint to create unique patterns. Finally, chalks provided a soft finishing touch. This creative process not only builds motor skills. It also fosters social growth. Children explore, play, and learn from each other in an engaging, collaborative environment.

Social Art Activities for Preschoolers: Collaborative Art Enhances Cooperation and Collective Play.

This second playgroup painting emphasised limited options for each session—one colour, one technique—and here’s why. Children need to cooperate while working together on a single canvas. They move around it, share materials, and create overlapping layers. This collective play helps kids develop flexibility. It also helps them adapt to change. It dispels perfectionism, which can be a barrier to skill development even at a young age. Using a limited colour scheme sharpens their creativity, as too many choices can feel overwhelming. Try this yourself! Join my Inner Circle for tips on creating this kind of social artwork at home. Sticking to one colour each session reduces the need for materials and cleanup. It also encourages children to explore that single colour or technique in depth. This boosts their creativity. Less is More.

What’s more, the pride they feel in their work grows each week. I make it a point to say, “Look at your artwork!” after each session, and we all give ourselves and each other a round of applause. This celebration of their effort fosters a sense of accomplishment and joy. It is like when I work with teenagers on murals. The same joy arises when I collaborate with adults on art projects. Everyone leaves smiling and feeling GOOD. This project was done over five years ago. These days, I’d suggest a three-colour rotation, including white. This offers even more creative variation while keeping things manageable.

Social Art Activities for Preschoolers: WHY?

Social skills, which I prefer to call ‘people skills’, are easily nurtured through collaborative social art activities. These activities also enhance gross and fine motor skills. These activities cater to brief moments of focus. They are ideal for young children. They offer them the chance to revisit the same artwork multiple times. Seeing other children engage encourages participation, creating an inviting environment for preschoolers to explore their creativity and new ideas together. The shared focus unites the children. Their collective effort helps foster a sense of community. They think about the final piece—whether it’s ‘You did that!’ or ‘We did that together,’ both are meaningful.

Discover simple tips that I used to create social art activities for preschoolers that can be painted by YOU. 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 my fun style of collaborative art.

Let’s Chat:

After exploring these engaging ideas created with preschoolers, think about incorporating creative social art activities. Also, consider collaborative elements in your own early childhood setting.

Creative Collaborative Art Examples: “Our Painted Elephant”

When it comes to collaborative art, the possibilities are as diverse as the participants involved. One of my most inspiring art examples is the “Our Painted Elephant” project. This was carried out at a Marion Primary School Vacation Care Program in 2018. This unique initiative brought together children and staff. They created vibrant artworks. Their inspiration was drawn from the Painted Elephant Parade in Jaipur, India.

Bling for collaborative art example — Our Painted Elephant – a creative collaborative art example.

A Cultural Celebration through a Creative Collaborative Art Project

The “Our Painted Elephant” project was more than just an art activity; it was a cultural experience. The project celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the children in the school community. It also aimed to broaden everyone’s cultural awareness as part of the Holiday Care program’s Indian Culture Day. The art project connected to a real-world event. This connection allowed children to appreciate the cultural significance of the Painted Elephant Parade. During the annual festival, elephants are adorned with elaborate designs.

Underpainting for collaborative art example — Underpainting so people are relaxed to start their collaborative art work

The Process: Embracing Creativity

The heart of the project was its emphasis on creative process art techniques. The project had three stages. During these stages, the children and staff explored techniques like splashing, scraping, and stamping. They also tried stencilling, sgraffito, and spraying with masking. These techniques allowed everyone to experiment freely, embracing the unpredictable nature of art. The project was created on two fabric banners to be economical.

Messy Playing for collaborative art example — Messy Playing for the collaborative art example.

The Process: Embracing Overlap and Layering

Layering was a key focus of the day. Participants were encouraged to partially cover the work of others. This technique helped build up the richness of the surface. This overlapping approach helped foster a sense of collaboration, showing that individual contributions, when merged, can create something truly beautiful. Additionally, the project emphasised that there are no mistakes in art—only differences that contribute to the overall artwork. This mindset helped participants feel confident and empowered in their creative expression. By encouraging overlap and layering, perfectionism is kept at bay. The fear of not being ‘good enough’ hampers many people when creating art. By creating collaboratively, the children are freed from this comparison anxiety and simply play and explore.

Exploring for collaborative art example — Spraying black around the masking of the elephant face for this collaborative art example.

The Results: A Stunning and Creative Collaborative Artwork

The result of this creative journey was two spectacular pieces of art. They truly captured the essence of the painted elephants of India. These elephants are adorned with coloured chalk paints. This was the feel of the finished piece of art. Around 25 painters, ranging from age 5 to adult, contributed to the project. The final artworks were a testament to the power of collaboration. They highlighted the beauty of cultural exchange. The artworks celebrated the Indian heritage of several children in the school.

The success of “Our Painted Elephant” extended beyond the completed artworks. For the participants, it was a reminder of what they can achieve together, and a celebration of their collective creativity. The project not only produced stunning visuals but also left a lasting impression on everyone involved. the project is admired by everyone who visits the OSHC rooms to this day.

Conclusion: Revealing Our Painted Elephant – a Creative Example of Collaborative Art!

“Our Painted Elephant” is a shining example of how creative collaborative art can bring people together. It celebrates diversity. The project inspires collective creativity. The project engaged the kids in a shared artistic journey. It showcased the richness that comes from embracing different perspectives and techniques. This case study demonstrates the impact of collaborative art. It reminds us that when we create together, we can achieve something truly extraordinary.

Discover simple tips about how creative collaborative art examples like these can be painted by YOU. Join my Inner Circle email group, and 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 my fun style of collaborative art.

Let’s Chat:

What are some of your favourite creative collaborative art examples that inspire group creativity and connection?

Creative Collaborative Artwork Strategies from from Painting Around is Fun! with a detail from 'The Carer Support Garden Mural' collaborative artwork.

Exploring Creative Collaborative Artwork Strategies in Community Projects

Detail of the Carer Collaborative Garden Mural — Collaborative Garden Mural (detail)

Creative Collaborative Artwork Strategies: The Carer Support Garden Mural

In 2017, the Carer Support Centre embarked on a heartwarming project to create a collaborative mural for their garden area. This project brought together a group of parent carers of children with disabilities to cooperatively paint an approximately 8m² mural. It was my ‘Parents Time Out’ group that I was a part of myself. The experience not only brightened up the garden. It also provided a creative outlet for carers who often face daily challenges and anxieties.

The four creative, collaborative artwork strategies I used in this group painted mural were: Underpainting, Messy Playing, Exploring and Bling!

Strategy 1: Easing into Creativity with a Bold Underpainting

Creative Collaborative Artwork Strategies: mural underpainting — Detail of the underpainting of this Collaborative Garden Mural

One of the key creative collaborative artwork strategies employed in this project was the use of a bold underpainting. This first layer removed the intimidation of starting on a blank surface. It allowed the painters to dive straight into the creative process.

Strategy 2: Diving into Creativity with ‘Messy’ Circle Painting.

Mural Creative Collaborative Artwork Strategies: Messy Playing stage of adding circles. — Messy Playing on our Collaborative Garden Mural

With stencils, brushwork, and stamping, the group decorated the wall with a vibrant array of patterns. These patterns—radial, concentric, and spiral—emerged naturally. Dots, dashes, and other creative marks appeared as each participant built upon the ideas and marks of the others.

Participants had the freedom to focus on specific areas. They also moved around the mural, adding their personal touches wherever they felt inspired. This free-form approach allowed the artwork to grow organically. It blended the contributions of each carer into a unified, beautifully layered piece. The mural became a symbol of the Carers’ collective creativity and resilience, embodying the essence of working together in harmony.

Strategy 3: Exploring Creativity with Patterning and Decorating

Mural Creative Collaborative Artwork Strategies: Exploring stage of adding patterns and layers of more circles, spirals and dots. — Exploration stage of our Collaborative Garden Mural

This project wasn’t just about creating a mural. It was about giving a space for carers to connect, share, and express themselves. Through collaborative painting, these carers momentarily set aside their worries. They immerse themselves in a creative, supportive environment. The activity served as a powerful reminder that self-care is essential—not a luxury but a necessity. As the carers intuitively understood, taking care of themselves is not about putting themselves first. It is about including themselves in the care they give to others.

The Impact of These Creative Collaborative Artwork Strategies: More Than Just Art

The creative collaborative artwork strategies led to a stunning mural. It now serves as a bright, lovely addition to the garden. Each participant’s contribution shows the collaborative spirit. Their first names are hidden in plain sight. This detail reflects the shared pride in the final piece.

A Closer Look: The Beauty in the Details

A closer examination of the mural reveals the wonderful colours, creativity, and layers that made this project so successful. Different patterns and techniques interplay. Each contributes to the whole. This interplay is a visual representation of the project’s collaborative nature. It also shows the joy it brought to its participants. This project was created before I developed the Pattern Play Visual Resources available in my Collaborative Art Shop. Instead, I found visuals on Google images. These images showed ideas relating to circles for the painters to look at for ideas. Seeing what everyone else did on the wall provided the biggest source of ideas for this mural. It inspired all the adding, embellishing, and decorating!

Discover more tips about how to best use creative collaborative art strategies like these. Join my Inner Circle email group to get “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”. This is my free 7 page step by step guide. It makes it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork using my three fun stages of collaborative art.

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How have you used any of these creative collaborative artwork strategies in your own projects? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!

Creating a Universe Together: The Success of Our Messy Mandala Group Collaborative Art Project

At Marion Primary School OSHC in 2019, 42 children embarked on an exciting artistic journey called “Our Messy Mandala.” This project, part of our ongoing commitment to group collaborative art projects, spanned over three weeks and resulted in a stunning three-panel standing screen that now brightens up the school library.

Messy Playing stage of our group collaborative art project creating a messy mandala standing screen. — Messy Playing stage of our group collaborative art project mandala standing screen

Week One of Our Group Collaborative Art Project: Messy Playing

The adventure began with the children diving into Messy Playing, where they painted the rings of the mandala in cool, pale colours. Each child had the freedom to express themselves, contributing to the mandala’s foundation. The room buzzed with creativity as the children explored different brush strokes and colour combinations, laying down the first layer of what would soon become a collaborative artwork.

Exploring stage of our group collaborative art project creating a messy mandala standing screen. — Exploring stage of our group collaborative art project mandala standing screen

Week Two of Our Group Collaborative Art Project: Exploring with Collage

The following week, we moved on to Exploring with Collage. The children used printed and painted papers to create various shapes—circles, squares, triangles, and moons—that they carefully layered onto the mandala. This stage was all about exploring shapes, patterns, and the joy of layering. The children’s enthusiasm grew as they saw their mandala taking shape, each piece adding depth and texture to the collective artwork.

Bling stage of our group collaborative art project creating a messy mandala standing screen. — Our Group Collaborative Art Project Messy Mandala Bling or Decorative Stage

Week Three of Our Group Collaborative Art Project: Bling!

In the final week, it was time for Bling! This stage was all about decoration and adding those finishing touches that made the mandala truly shine. The children added glitter paints, gems, and paint pens, transforming the mandala into a vibrant, eye-catching piece. The addition of these decorative details brought the mandala to life, making it a true representation of the universe—a universe we created together.

3 panel standing screen with a messy mandala in cool colours created as a group collaborative art project with children, — Our Group Collaborative Art Project “Our Messy Mandala” Screen

The Results: A Proud Achievement

The culmination of these three weeks was a stunning three-panel standing screen that the children proudly presented at assembly. The project didn’t just produce a beautiful piece of art; it fostered a sense of teamwork, creativity, and accomplishment among the children. The mandala quickly became a part of their play, integrating art into their everyday environment. It now stands in the school library, a vibrant reminder of what can be achieved when we create together.

“Our Messy Mandala” is a testament to the power of group collaborative art projects. It shows how creativity, when shared, can build not just artwork but also connections and confidence in young minds. The project was a resounding success, and the pride in the children’s faces as they presented their work spoke volumes about the impact of collaborative art.

Discover how to create group collaborative art projects like these – Join my Inner Circle email list to receive “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”, my free 7 page guide making it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork with a group of people in your life.

– Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.

P.S. I love collaborative social art and want to share it with you!

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Creating Inclusive Art: Social Art Projects for Special Needs Adults

What is the easiest way to create a collaborative, social art project for adults with special needs who are living with disability?

This process is easy and accessible for all ages and abilities. Engaging in creative activities is a powerful way to bring people together, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Social art projects for special needs adults offer an inclusive environment where participants can express themselves, collaborate with others, and contribute to something beautiful and meaningful. Here, I’ll share three of my own collaborative social art projects that highlight the transformative power of collaborative art.

"Enhancing Voices" one of four collaborative artworks created by 97 people living with disability and special needs — “Enhancing Voices” one of a set of four collaborative artworks created by adults with special needs.

Social Art Projects for Special Needs Adults: Enhancing Voices

The Enhancing Voices project was a remarkable journey of creativity and collaboration with members of Our Voice SA across the state. Over four regional conferences in Adelaide, Whyalla, Mount Gambier, and The Riverland, participants engaged in a series of art sessions that began with exploring circles and mark-making using colors inspired by the Our Voice SA logo. As the artworks traveled with Ali, their regional Social Art Guide, layers of patterns and embellishments were added, culminating in four richly detailed and unique pieces. The final artworks, which will be displayed in the meeting rooms at each location, are a testament to the creativity and voices of the 96 participants who contributed their flair. This project beautifully illustrates how collaborative social art can connect people across distances, creating lasting memories and fostering a sense of pride and community. Disability is not inability!

"Peer Support" an artwork created by adults living with special needs and disability. — “Peer Support” an artwork created by adults living with special needs and disability.

Social Art Projects for Special Needs Adults: Peer Support

The Peer Support project was created in collaboration with members of the Our Voice SA, a peer-led self-advocacy group supporting people living with intellectual disabilities. The project began with a ‘Messy Play’ session, using cool colours applied with sponges and scrapers to create a visually textured background. Participants then explored circles, painting and overlapping them to create a sense of unity and connection. The artwork was decorated with intricate patterns, and the final touches included paint pens, glitter glue bursts, and sparkly nail polish for a bit of BLING! The finished piece is a beautiful, unique artwork that symbolises the group’s inner strength and the supportive community they have built. It is displayed to raise awareness and support for the International day of persons with disabilities held annually in December. It was displayed at the Myriad Exhibition at the State Library of South Australia, celebrating the artworks of more than 70 artists, run my Community Living Australia.

Detail of a mural created by children and young adults living with special needs and disability.

Social Art Projects for Special Needs Adults: Our Sensory Garden Mural

The Sensory Garden Mural at Suneden Specialist School was a large-scale collaborative project involving 68 students aged 5-21, each of whom had the opportunity to contribute. Over two sessions with each of the nine classes, students worked with a variety of tools, including big brushes, rollers, extended brushes, sponges, and stamps, to create a visually rich mural with many layers of color and texture. Supported by dedicated staff, the project emphasised that every mark adds to the whole, breaking down barriers and allowing everyone to participate in creating a beautiful artwork. The mural, along with two mobile murals created using the same techniques and colours, is central to the Sensory Garden, offering the school community a vibrant, inclusive space to enjoy. Each child’s name is hidden within the mural, inviting exploration and a sense of ownership for every participant.

The Impact of Collaborative Social Art Projects

These projects highlight the incredible benefits of social art projects for special needs adults. By creating a supportive, inclusive environment, participants can explore their creativity, develop new skills, and experience the joy of contributing to a collaborative artwork. These experiences not only foster a sense of accomplishment but also build stronger connections within the community.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to start a social art project or want to explore more of my work, feel free to join my Inner Circle email list for updates and inspiration!

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How to Make a Collaborative Artwork: 3 Inspiring Examples

How to make a collaborative artwork - Coffee Club Collaborative Collage Artwork

How to make a collaborative artwork - Carer Support Collaborative Circle painting Canvas

How to Make a Collaborative Artwork: 3 Inspiring Examples

Creating collaborative artworks is a beautiful way to bring people together, fostering creativity and connection through the shared experience of making something meaningful. Whether you’re working with friends, family, or community groups, the process is about embracing inclusivity, spontaneity, and the joy of co-creation.

In this post, I’ll share three examples of my collaborative artworks, each with its unique story and outcome. Let’s dive into how these projects came to life, focusing on the “Carer Support Collaborative Canvas,” a particularly memorable experience.

How to make a collaborative artwork - shows an example of a Carer Support Collaborative artwork on canvas.

1. How to Make a Collaborative Artwork: Carer Support Collaborative Acrylics on Canvas

In 2017, I had the pleasure of working with the Glandore Carer Support Centre’s “Parents Time Out” group, led by Tina. The goal was to create a collaborative circle painting canvas that would allow carers, many of whom hadn’t picked up a paintbrush since school, to reconnect with their creative side. This is the first collaborative canvas I did with adults, and it was so thrilling to me that here I am still doing it.

The Process: We started with a blank canvas, inviting each participant to paint a circle. The initial circles were just the beginning – from there, everyone was encouraged to explore their creativity by adding more circles, spirals, radial bursts, and dots. The idea was to let the artwork evolve organically, with each painter contributing in their own way, overlapping and enhancing others’ designs. At first people are hesitant about overlapping the work of each other, but I keep urging them to do so as it frees them and makes the artwork so much more dynamic and interesting.

The Result: In just two hours, eight painters collaborated to create a vibrant, eye-catching canvas full of colour and movement. The process was playful and relaxed, allowing the carers to express themselves freely while also connecting with each other through the shared creative journey. The final artwork was displayed in an exhibition at Skylight, another carer organisation.

Why It Worked: This project was a success because it removed the pressure of creating a ‘perfect’ piece of art. Instead, it focused on the enjoyment of the process and the collective experience. The collaborative nature allowed everyone to feel a sense of ownership and pride in the final piece. The painters were very proud that their work was in the Skylight Exhibition promoting mental health awareness.

How to make a collaborative artwork -painted paper collage example

2. How to Make a Collaborative Artwork: Painted Paper Mixed Media Collage

In 2019, I had the opportunity to work with the Marion Primary Mums Coffee Group, where we embarked on a creative journey to create a collaborative collage using painted papers. The aim was simple: to have fun and explore creativity in a relaxed, supportive environment.

The Process: We began by using three large A2 sheets of cartridge paper, covering the entire surface with cool colours using various sponges. This stage was all about experimentation, and the mums enjoyed exploring the different textures and effects they could create.

As the painted papers dried, we moved on to collage work. Each participant selected plain, painted, and printed papers, cutting them into circles. While I suggested a basic strategy to get them started, creativity quickly took over, and the group began to push the boundaries of what they could do with the collage elements, such as snowflakes and other random shapes inspired by the papers themselves.

Once the collage layers were in place, we added visual depth and interest with warm colours, including using art stencils with sponging. The final stage involved adding decorations, outlines, doodles, and patterns with paint pens. The mums had fun swapping pieces and adding their personal touches, creating a truly collaborative artwork.

The Result: The final pieces were vibrant, layered, and full of personality. Each mum contributed to the project, resulting in a series of framed artworks that decorated the meeting area. Everyone took home a piece of the project, creating a lasting memory of the experience.

Why It Worked: This project succeeded because it combined structured guidance with plenty of room for creative freedom. The use of different techniques and materials kept the process engaging, and the collaborative nature of the project fostered a sense of pride and ownership among the participants.

how to make a collaborative artwork example painted by children

3. How to Make a Collaborative Artwork: Group Painted Canvas by Children

In 2023, I collaborated with a group of 30 children and staff from Forbes Primary School’s Vacation Care program to create a social art project titled “Growing Together.” This project was all about embracing the energy and creativity of a multi-age group, allowing everyone to contribute in their unique way.

The Process: We began with a stage called Messy Playing, where the children used greens, aqua, and white to create spontaneous circles, dots, ovals, and spirals on a large canvas. This playful start helped the kids relax and get comfortable with the process.

Next, we moved into the Exploring phase, using small brushes to add patterns and details to the existing shapes. The children worked together to build on each other’s ideas, adding layers of patterns that brought the artwork to life.

Finally, we reached the Bling! stage, where the kids used paint pens, gems, stickers, and glitter to add a decorative sparkle to the piece. This stage was all about fun and collaboration, with everyone contributing to the final touches.

The Result: The finished artwork, aptly named “Growing Together,” reflects the natural theme chosen with the concept of the children growing up together during their time in the OSHC program. The 1m x 1m piece now hangs in their rooms as a reminder of the fun and collaborative spirit of the project.

Why It Worked: This project succeeded because it engaged children of different ages and abilities, allowing them to express themselves while contributing to a shared goal. The structured stages provided guidance, while the open-ended nature of the activities encouraged creativity, teamwork and pride.

Tips for How to Make A Collaborative Artwork

Set a Starting Point: Starting with ‘Paint circles’ gives the group a simple, accessible starting point. I suggest people paint three circles in each colour, some big, some small, as medium happens on it’s own due to their personal expression. Start SIMPLE!
Encourage Playfulness: The key to a successful collaborative artwork is letting go of perfection and embracing the joy of creation. Encourage participants to experiment with shapes and colours:
Celebrate the Process: Remember, the value of a collaborative artwork is as much in the process as it is in the final piece. Take time to appreciate each person’s contribution and the unique story your artwork tells.
Join my email list to receive “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home” my free 7 page step by step guide to creating artworks just like these.

Collaborative art projects are more than just a fun activity; they are a way to build connections, celebrate diversity of abilities, and create something beautiful together. If you’re inspired to start your own collaborative artwork, remember that the journey is as important as the destination – so gather your group, grab your brushes, and let your creativity flow!

Let’s Chat:

Collaborative art is thrilling – it’s so much fun creating with others. Which inspires you from the examples above?

Painting Around is FUN! Painting Collaborative and Inclusive Social Art Projects

Join the Fun: Collaborative and Inclusive Social Art Projects!