This firework painting is a fun and engaging art project for kids to make! Kids will use an easy cardboard printing technique to make the fireworks in all different shapes and sizes. Using colorful paint on black paper really makes the colors stand out. Each painting will be unique!
We love exploring different painting techniques. Take a look at my collection of painting ideas for kids for more fun and creative art projects to try!
Taking time to look at photos of fireworks before you begin will help kids get ideas for the colors they want to use and the shapes and sizes of their fireworks. Take a look below for some inspiration!
We love making fireworks art! For some more great ideas that kids will love take a look at this chalk pastel fireworks art and this 3D paper fireworks craft that comes with a printable.
Create your own firework painting
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Supplies
- Black drawing paper
- Acrylic paint
- Cardboard
- Paint palette
- Dotting tools (optional)
- Scissors
- Old toothbrush
Instructions for your fireworks art project
1. Get your paper, cardboard, and paints ready. You want to use stiffer cardboard (I cut up a cardboard box) and have some of the pieces slightly curved. This will give a nice firework shape as kids are printing.
Cut out different sizes of your cardboard, think about layering colors of fireworks so some pieces will need to be larger than others.
Have kids choose their paint colors and have them ready to go in a palette. You want to space out the colors to give lots of room for dipping the cardboard pieces in.
2. Take a piece of cardboard, dip it into the paint, and press it onto the black paper making a print. Do this several times to make a firework shape. Having a slightly curved piece of cardboard will help with this.
3. Think about layering on different colors for one firework. Use different sizes of cardboard to achieve this layered look. You could add a different color in the center or on the ends of the fireworks (or both!).
Once you are happy with how your fireworks looks, try using a dotting tool to dot on more color and design. If you don’t have a dotting tool, you can use the end of a paintbrush. Make sure to clean the dotting tool or paintbrush before switching colors.
4. Have kids think about different shapes of fireworks they can make. For the photo below, I used a straight piece of cardboard to create the yellow lines and then a smaller piece of curved cardboard for the white.
Layer on more colors and dots for a really fun colorful effect!
5. The same technique was used for the pink firework below. Larger pieces of cardboard for the pink lines and then smaller pieces for the yellow.
Use your dotting tool to add in some dots with another color.
6. Continue using cardboard pieces to print different firework designs and a dotting tool to add some detail until you are happy with how your painting looks.
7. To finish off your painting, you can splatter on white paint with an old toothbrush. Depending on the type of paint you have, you may need to thin it out a bit with some water.
Decide on a few areas you want to splatter, dip the toothbrush in, and run your finger across the bristles to create a fine mist of white. This really adds a nice finishing touch to the painting and helps with the fireworks effect.
This firework painting is such a fun project for kids to create and explore. Using different pieces of cardboard, layering on colors, and adding in finishing details really makes each painting unique!
If you are looking for more summer art projects, take a look at this amazing collection of summer art ideas for kids!
More painting ideas kids will love
Jackson Pollock Inspired Splatter Painting for Kids
Mixed Media Winter Art Project for Kids
Follow me on Pinterest for more amazing project ideas.
Pin this art project for later
Colorful Firework Painting for Kids to Make
This firework painting is a fun and engaging art project for kids to make! Use an easy cardboard printing technique and simple supplies.
Materials
- Black drawing paper
- Acrylic paint
- Cardboard
- Old toothbrush
Tools
- Paint palette
- Dotting tools (optional)
- Scissors
Instructions
- Start by cutting up the pieces of cardboard that you will need. You want to cut various sizes and have some curved and some straight. Take a look at the photos above for reference of different sizes.
- Prepare your acrylic paint in a palette. You want to spread out the paint a bit so there is room to dip the cardboard pieces in.
- Have kids take a look at some firework photos to get an idea of the shape and type of fireworks and colors that they want to use.
- Start by dipping a cardboard piece into a paint color and then press it onto your paper creating a print. Continue dipping the cardboard in and printing it onto your paper until you finish your firework shape.
- Think about adding a different color in a smaller shape to add some dimension to your firework. You could add a different color in the center or on the ends of the firework (or both!).
- Use a dotting tool or the end of a paintbrush to add even more detail to your firework like in the photos above.
- Continue exploring and trying new shapes and sizes for your fireworks. Think about layering on different colors for each firework and adding in details with a dotting tool.
- To finish off your painting, you can splatter on white paint with an old toothbrush. Depending on the type of paint you have, you may need to thin it out a bit with some water.
Dip the toothbrush in the paint, hold it over your painting and run your finger along the bristles to create the splatter effect.