August 8, 2012

Minimalist Hand-Print Art

the artist admiring his piece

Projects that document this fleeting time with my little guy are a must, so when I spotted this hand print art in the background of a lovely interior, I knew we needed to shamelessly copy it! It's actually not our first time at the hand print rodeo... we love to experiment with hand prints and from experience I knew that I wanted ours to be a little more abstract (aka messy). I like each one to have it's own personality and to let it wiggle and flutter and not necessarily look like a clear hand in the end. It's also easier that way. Of course this is a matter of preference (that's the fun) and if your children are older they get to be in charge which is even more fun (at least I think it would be?).

Our process was very simple, we used a large sheet of cold press (smooth) watercolor paper and some water-based paint. Any color(s) would do but we stuck with black, hence that minimalism. I put a sheet of wax paper on a baking tray and smeared it with the paint in a thin and even layer. Then I used my kid as a giant paint brush! Again, if your child is older this could be more interactive but at his age speed was our friend.


It was finished in no time but we also let Little Smith do some extra painting on the side just to be fair. I stamped the date on it and then we headed straight for the tub, luckily the paint washed out of our clothes very easily.

Little Smith actually very much enjoys his painting, he stands in front of it and makes the 'sign' for butterfly, which either means that he thinks it looks like a bunch of butterflies or he just knows it has something to do with his hands.


I really love it. I can still see the whole process in each hand print; where Little S attacked it with a paint brush, where he backed out and decided he was done. I think this kid has some real talent in those palms!

11 comments:

  1. I did that when my kids were young too! We did it in rainbow colors {& added feet too}-- great idea to pass along!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. That is brilliant! Definitely a GREAT idea!!! I will have to try this with my little one!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Fun! When Little s will be older those little palms will be there as a remainder of how small they used to be!! It's a sweet and fun project to do with a child.

    ReplyDelete
  4. It looks great! I love the picture of him looking at his art, too. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a great idea! Love it, and I just might have to steal it :) That last picture is adorable.

    ReplyDelete
  6. It´s awesome - I did something similar when my rascals were little but I actually prefers it black & white like this. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a great idea! I love that you kept it black and white. This might become one of our DIY projects for the boys' playroom-- hm... maybe with three different colors for the three different kids? Don't worry, I will be sure to reference you of course. You are such an inspiration, lady! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh I think it would be really fantastic with three kids and their different sized hands - can't wait to see how it turns out!

      Delete
  8. I remember seeing this on one of your Pinterest boards - and now I think I'll have to copy you! :) I love the way Little S's piece turned out. Very minimalist indeed. I also love the large size you chose - even more sophisticated looking. So cute that he signs butterfly when he looks at it!

    xo
    cortnie

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.