Accidental Art: "Blottos"

by Andrea Mulder-Slater

An Imagination Station Activity from KinderArt

Ages: Four to ten
Time: An hour or more
Type of Activity: Painting
Materials needed:

• Paper (whatever kind you have on hand will do, although the thicker the better)
• Water-based paint (watercolor, tempera, poster paint)
• Scissors
• Glue

Sometimes the most fun you can have creatively is when you make something by accident. With this "blotto" activity you will do just that.

What You Do:

1. Cut a number of paper squares and rectangles of various sizes. 5" by 5", 7" x 8", 3" by 2" etc.
2. Crease each paper square in the middle so that later you can fold them easily.
3. Sprinkle a few drops of paint onto one side of the crease.
4. Fold the paper on the creased line with the paint inside.
5. Press down with your hand.
6. When the paper is opened, strange and interesting shapes will appear. Now you have a blotto!
7. Work with the blottos and arrange them into a larger picture, allowing whatever comes into your mind to take over.
8. Glue the blottos down onto a larger paper if you wish to create a big blotto work of art!

There is nothing specific about blottos, there is no right way they should turn out. A blotto is like a snowflake -- no two will every be the same.

More on: Arts & Crafts Activities for Kids: Project Ideas