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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Showing the Messy Playing stage - painted by Painting Around is Fun as we discover how to paint a group artwork — Messy Playing

Showing the exploring stage - painted by Painting Around is Fun as we discover how to paint a group artwork — Messy Playing

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

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

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

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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?

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.

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

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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What are your thoughts about this group collaborative art project?

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?

Four Collaborative Art Examples to Inspire You!

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

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 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”

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”

“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”

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”

“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?

Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home - a simple step by step guide to creating your unique and beautiful artwork!

Creating Collaborative Artworks at Home: A Guide to Starting Your First Social Artwork

Have you ever dreamed of creating a beautiful piece of art with your family or friends, right in the comfort of your home? Imagine a vibrant and unique canvas filled with the creativity of everyone involved, featuring warm colours like red, yellow, pink, orange, coral, and white. This dream can become a reality with my free eBook, “How to Start Your First Social Artwork at Home.” This 10-step guide makes the process simple and enjoyable, no matter your experience level.

Let’s dive into what you can expect from this exciting journey into collaborative creativity.

Join my Email List to receive this free guide.

Your Step-by-Step Guidance to Artistic Fun

This introductory, quick guide offers a straightforward, step-by-step approach to creating a collaborative artwork at home. It is designed to be accessible and fun for small groups, making it perfect for family gatherings or friendly get-togethers. The process is broken down into three main stages: Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling!

Creating Collaborative Artworks at Home – Messy Playing:

This stage is all about letting go and having fun. You start by covering the table, laying out your supplies, and getting comfortable. The aim is to add clusters of marks and painting simple circles, spirals, and arches using various colours and brush sizes. Don’t worry about making it perfect—this stage is about expression and spontaneity.

Creating Collaborative Artworks at Home: Exploration Stage - this image shows a thick brushwork marks in circles, swirls, dots and arrow shapes of acrylic paint in pinks, reds, yellows, corals and oranges in many overlapping layers. — Creating Collaborative Artworks at Home: Exploring Stage

Creating Collaborative Artworks at Home – Exploring:

Here, you begin to add more structure to your artwork. This is where my “Pattern Play” resources come into play. Each of you can use the simple patterns provided in the eBook to add layers and focus on overlapping to build visual interest. The patterns are designed to be accessible to all ages and abilities, ensuring everyone can contribute meaningfully by simply copying the patterns in different colours, sizes and clusters. People gain confidence through this strategy and start, well, exploring!

Creating Collaborative Artworks at Home – Bling!:

The final stage is where the magic happens. Using the pattern ideas, you’ll add embellishments with paint pens, sharpies, glitter glue, and dot stickers. This is the time to make the artwork sparkle and shine, bringing out the individuality and creativity of the artwork with this fun stage that everyone loves!

Unique Resources to Inspire Creativity

When you sign up for my email list to receive the guide. As a member you’ll get access to unique “Pattern Play” resources. These are hand-drawn examples from my other projects, designed to inspire and guide you. You can copy the patterns directly, repeat them in different sizes and colours, or use them as inspiration to create your own designs. This ensures that each artwork is unique and personalised, reflecting the collective creativity of the group.

Why Warm Colours?

Using a limited colour scheme, such as warm colours, helps to create a cohesive and harmonious artwork. Warm colours like red, yellow, pink, orange and white are vibrant and inviting, encouraging a joyful and energetic atmosphere. They blend well together, making it easier for everyone to contribute without worrying about colour clashes and mixing the wrong colours into a muddy mess! Of course, you could choose cool colours. I’d definitely suggest a harmonious set of colours for your first project.

Encouraging Creativity for All Ages and All Abilities

One of the best things about creating collaborative artworks at home is that it is inclusive and accessible to all ages and abilities. The simple, guided steps ensure that even those with no prior art experience can join in and feel proud of their contributions. It’s a wonderful way to bond with family and friends, creating lasting memories and a beautiful piece of art to cherish.

How to Get Started With Your First Collaborative Artwork at Home!

To start your first social artwork at home, download my free eBook, “How to Start Your First Social Artwork at Home – A Simple Step By Step Guide to Creating Your Unique and Beautiful Collaborative Artwork!” Sign up for my email list to receive the guide and unique “Pattern Play” resources. Gather your supplies—a 30cm square canvas, a selection of warm-coloured paints, a few brushes, and some embellishments—and invite your family or friends to join you. Follow the 10 simple steps outlined in the eBook, and watch as your collaborative artwork comes to life over several sessions painting together.

Creating collaborative artworks at home is more than just painting; it’s about connecting, exploring, and celebrating creativity together. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity for a family gathering or a unique way to spend time with friends, this guide will help you create something truly special.

Happy painting!

Charndra, Your Social Art Guide

P.S. To help you along your creative journey, you’ll also receive weekly emails with further tips and encouragement for each stage of the creation process. These emails are designed to support and motivate anyone who might feel the need for a little extra guidance. Sign up today and start your collaborative art adventure!

Let’s chat:

What excites you most about creating collaborative artworks at home? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, or ask any questions you may have.

The Power of Unity: Successful Collaborative Art Work Projects…

A collaborative art work called "Find Your Confidence" created by teenage girls as part of a social mural and social artwork project, showing swirling pinks, reds, peaches and yellows over a blue and aqua background.

Collaborative Art Work Project created by Primary School Children - Swirling blues, greens and aquas called "Aspiring to Success"

A collaborative art work painted by adult women who are carers of children with special educational needs, showing multi coloured circles, spirals and dots in overlapping patterns, called "Parents Time Out" Social artwork.

Discover the Thrill of Creating Collaborative Art Work!

Collaborative art work is awesome. Creating a painting with a group of people brings you together with a group of people in a shared creative experience. You grow in confidence as you are painting companionably with others, moving from place to place, interacting with what each other are doing, layering and overlapping. Your skills and confidence is build without comparison anxiety and performance pressure that we all feel painting our own individual artwork.

Let’s have a look at three collaborative art works from my own collection of social art projects:

Find Your Confidence in Creating the Layers of a Vibrant School Mural!

This collaborative art work: “Find Your Confidence”, was the ‘mobile mural’ part of a public mural in their school, Aberfoyle Park High School in South Australia, which takes the mural inside on a canvas, it was painted alongside the large wall mural. This collaborative art work was created in a freeform style – in a guided spontaneous form, with the girls directed to start painting circles, spirals and dots of different sizes and colours, then adding to the elements of each other, adding layers of patterns and marks, building on the visual complexity over several weeks.

Reflection:

This collaborative art work was created by a group of teenage girls. They painted out in public, building their confidence, realising they can do MORE than they may have thought possible – that people walking past watching them paint could be ‘zoned out’, and in fact those people were highly complimentary about what they were creating!

Aspire to Success by Using the ‘Success Strategies’ of Collaborative Art Projects.

This collaborative art work “Aspire to Success” was created by 120 junior primary students over three sessions and relates to the school logo of IQRA College in South Australia. The kids had a great time in several rotating groups, each level of kids doing a different stage – the reception kids did ‘Messy Playing’ with sponging, stencilling and scraping, the grade 1’s did ‘Exploring’ with medium and small brushes, and the grade 2’s did ‘Bling!’ with paint pens, stickers and glitter glue. SO many kids! This is a detail from 2 collaborative art projects created over three sessions.

Reflection:

This is one of two large canvases – needed with this many children, that’s for sure! The teachers told me of some children did more in this novel situation than they would in the regular classroom – it’s the novelty and the ‘group painting’ that enables shy children to be more adventurous as they can in some ways hide as they create with each other – moving around and being free to explore. They build their creative confidence and can then feel more able to create in their individual art.

In this collaborative artwork, created in only one session, we used brushwork, stamping, layering and overlapping. It has a mixed colour palette. These days I would have a coloured background (the underpainting) and then layer cool then warm colours. Really, a background that is not stark white is a game changer! There’s many ways of doing it – one colour, an ombre, using spray paint, using blotches of colours – all impact the final artwork, and most of all – an underpainting frees people to begin! That white canvas is very much a visual block.

Reflection:

This was the first collaborative art work I did with a group of fellow parent carers in our “Parents Time Out” activity for mums with children with special educational needs. This is when I first felt the thrill of collaborative art, and led to the hundreds of artworks created with over two thousand people so far.

3 Collaborative Art Works – Conclusion:

These three collaborative art works show how a variety of groups of people – young children, teenagers and adults enjoy creating together, and in doing so paint truly unique artworks developed from the dynamics of their group – whether that be ten ladies or 120 little kids just starting school. They have fun!

Discover how to create collaborative art works like these – Join my Inner Circle email list so I can give you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”, my free 7 page step by step guide making it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork using my three fun stages with a group of people in your life.

– Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.

Let’s Chat:

I love spirals. Circles turn into spirals. Big, small, open or tight spirals look great on an artwork – they are my favourite shape.

What’s your favourite shape?

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

Join the Fun: Collaborative and Inclusive Social Art Projects!

primary and elementary school art