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!)

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.

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.

Creating Inclusive Art: Social Art Projects for Special Needs Adults from Painting Around is Fun!

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.
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!

Let’s Chat:

What are your thoughts on how social art projects for special needs adults can create meaningful connections and foster a sense of community?

Four Collaborative Art Examples to Inspire You! from Painting Around is Fun!

Four Collaborative Art Examples to Inspire You!

Collaborative Art Examples Taking You On a Journey Through Cooperative Creativity

Collaborative art is a vibrant and dynamic form of artistic expression. It brings together multiple artists to create a single and cohesive piece. This cooperative approach not only merges different styles and techniques but also fosters a sense of community and shared vision. In this blog post, I’ll take you through some collaborative art examples, using my own artworks as illustrations.

The Magic of Collaboration

Collaborative art has a unique energy. When multiple artists come together, each brings their own perspective, skills, and creativity. The result is a rich tapestry of ideas and techniques that often surpasses what any single artist can achieve alone. Here are some examples of cooperative paintings that highlight the beauty and complexity of this process.

Collaborative art examples  - circles of connection a multicoloured layered artwork on a yellow background featuring circles, spirals, dots and elaborately detailed stencils.
Collaborative Art Example: Circles of Connection

Collaborative Art Examples: “Circles of Connection”

One of my favorite collaborative art examples is “Circles of Connection.” In this piece, many adults, including myself, worked together to create an artwork together. We started with a happy yellow underpainting. Then, we added layers of stencils, big circles, dots, and spirals in several colours and sizes. Each person was directed to do ‘three circles’ in each colour to start. Each layer had limited colours.

Reflection:

Painting as a group removes performance pressure and comparison anxiety. There’s always someone who claims ‘I’m not creative’ as they are nervous creating in front of others. I reassure them that every mark adds to the whole. Everyone else contributes once they’ve had a go. Soon people are busily playing around. When I give clear instructions like “Paint three circles in each colour,” they either follow them and dive in. Alternatively, it frees them to explore their own ideas…

Collaborative art examples - self advocacy - swirling warm spirals, circles and patterns in layers of yellow, coral, red, pink  with a flash of gold leaf.
Collaborative Art Example: Self Advocacy

Collaborative Art Examples: “Self Advocacy”

“Self Advocacy” is a collaborative art example. It collects the feelings of personal power and agency. These feelings arise when learning and teaching about self advocacy for a group of adults living with intellectual disability. Members of Our Voice SA, a peer-led self advocacy and peer support group, created this with their team. They worked as a community. Now, it decorates their meeting rooms. It stands as a symbol of what they did together. They shared a fun collaborative art workshop series.

Reflection:

This artwork showcases the power of guided collaboration. Everyone was understandably proud. The artwork was selected as a finalist in the 2024 Adelaide Fringe Festival Poster Competition!

Collaborative art examples - community is a multi coloured layered artwork of patterns and flower-like decorative elements.
Collaborative Art Example: Community

Collaborative Art Examples: “Community”

For “Community,” I collaborated with several hundred members of the public. This took place during an artist in Residence program at Westfield Marion in South Australia. It was great fun to guide people to add patterns and shapes. They used either cool or warm colours depending on the day. It was created over 14 days. We used the Pattern Play visual resources that you can now buy at my shop!

Reflection:

This project gave people the freedom to explore their own creative ideas. It ensured a smooth and cohesive artwork through cooperative collaboration. Everyone worked with and around each other’s creations in a guided freeform structure of Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling!

collaborative art examples - Conversation is a brightly warm coloured artwork of peaches, yellows, oranges, corals and reds with a flash of gold leaf in many layers.
Collaborative Art Examples: Conversation

Collaborative Art Examples: “Conversation”

“Conversation” was an exciting project. It involved members of the general public who wandered by. They were invited to create a beautiful example of collaborative art with me. The art featured warm colours like pinks, peaches, corals, yellows, and tinted versions of these bright colours.

Reflection:

This example was a testament to the power of collaborative painting. The freedom to explore patterns and marks is significant. Interacting with what others have done before you seems to naturally result in a wonderfully cohesive artwork.

Collaborative Art Examples: Final Thoughts

Collaborative painting is a rewarding experience that pushes the boundaries of individual creativity. It fosters collaboration and mutual respect. It also builds a sense of community among anyone creating them, no matter their level of creative experience. By working together, we can create artworks that are rich, diverse, and make a profound impact. It’s wonderful watching people relax and start interacting with the artwork, making it their own.

I hope these collaborative art examples and insights inspire you to embark on your own collaborative, social painting journey. Remember, the magic lies in the process as much as in the final piece. Happy painting!


Let’s Chat:

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

Four Inspiring Collaborative Art Projects to Spark Your Creativity (Created with Groups) from Painting Around is Fun!

Exploring Collaborative Art Projects for All Ages

Let’s check out these four inspiring collaborative art projects. They were created with a range of people, including kids, children and teens. Adults and people living with disabilities also participated. Everyone is creative and always enjoy the thrill of painting around each other! All these social artworks were painted by groups of people.

The Magic of Collaborative Art Projects

Collaborative art has a unique energy. When many people (even a couple of us) come together, each brings their own flair and creativity. The outcome is a rich, layered blend of ideas. It extends beyond what one person achieves alone. This process fosters a unique shared vision. I call my form of collaborative art inclusive social art.

In this blog post, I’ll introduce you to four examples of these collaborative art projects. These artworks were created with myself as the social art guide. They were collectively painted by more than 450 people.

“Growing Together” – A Collaborative Art Project Created With Children.

This collaborative art project involved 30 primary school children aged 4-13. They participated in a summer holiday or vacation care program over three sessions. This was he first time they had done such a project, and wow, were they proud of the result!

A collaborative art project showing a swirling artwork of cool blues, greens and purples.
“Growing Together’ Collaborative Art Projects are Fun to Create!

Reflection: This painting taught us the importance of sharing space together. Thirty kids painted around each other during the sessions called Messy Playing, Exploring, and BLING! It all came together in this beautiful cooperative piece of art.

Mia’s Rose” – One of the Collaborative Art Projects Created with My Daughter.

This collaborative art project was created by my daughter and I from when she was about 18 months old. Each 5 minute session we used either a blue or a pink, with some white. I’d offer her different sized brushes and stamps like balloons and other items to transfer paint on the canvas. Ten years later, this door-sized canvas hangs on her bedroom wall. We periodically add new layers. Purple is her new favourite colour, so that will be added next. We’ve painted through toddler, to preschooler, to primary school!

An abstract collaborative art project with blues and pinks created by a mother and daughter team.
“Mia’s Rose” a 2 person collaborative art project

Reflection: This artwork showcases how much fun collaborative art projects are for children. Even a five minute session was enough for a toddler. She enjoyed the creative control of choosing the colour each time, the equipment used (balloons, stencils, stamps, brushes…) Can you see our cat?

“Safety” – One Of A Set Of Two Collaborative Art Projects Created With Teenagers.

"Safety', an artwork of swirling light and dark blues, greens and purples.
“Safety” An inclusive Social Artwork created by teenagers.

Reflection: This artwork showcases how a group of teenagers who had never met each other can create something extraordinary. They did this in only a few hours. They key is a limited colour scheme and closed choices – simple “Pattern Play” ideas to copy. I have MANY Pattern Play visual resources to help you create beautiful layers!

“Community” – From A Set of Three Collaborative Art Projects Created With Members of the Public.

During the inaugural Art Story Artist in Residence program at Westfield Marion in 2022, I engaged with the public. I spent two weeks painting with over 600 members. We worked on three collaborative art projects. We worked on this one every day. One was in cool colours and another in warm colours. This one had both. On any day, we added layers of patterns in either warm or cool colours. This ensured that we had no muddy colours blotching up our artworks.

Colourful collaborative art project created by a large group of people
‘Community’, an inclusive social art project

Reflection: This project was a testament to the power of community, with everybody working together to create something beautiful. Hundreds of people added their marks to this piece over the two week program.

Conclusion:

Collaborative art projects are fun and look best when they turn out well. No one wants to end up with muddy colors. To keep it eye-catching, use a limited color palette. Layer warm and cool colors separately when dry to avoid mixing them. This way, everyone can be proud of their unique creation and eager to share it!


Discover how to create collaborative art projects like these. Join my Inner Circle email list to get “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”. This is my free 7 page step by step guide. Creating a unique artwork is effortless. Use my three fun stages with a group of people in your life. I love collaborative social art and want to share it with you!


Let’s Chat!

Trends in colour palettes change all the time. My favourite is called “Utopia”. I’ve based it on the series of that name. This inspired a series of collaborative artworks. I’m painting these artworks with my kids.  What’s your favourite colour scheme at the moment? (Do you have a name for it?)