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Fly Swatter Painting

Discover unique patterning and express yourself through painting.

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Materials
• Plates or paint mats
• Fly swatters with different patterns and of different sizes
• Paper
• Tarp, newspaper, or trays to line the painting table
• Multiple colored paints

Setup
At a table lined with newspaper or tarp, set out the different paint colors with fly swatters set at each one. In front of every child, set a piece of paper. Have the children write their names on the back of the paper before they begin painting and the paper becomes oversaturated.

Directions
1. Have the children sit down at the table (smocks are optional) and begin painting using the various fly swatters.
2. The students can explore motion and what happens when they drag the fly swatter versus slapping it on the paper. They can also make predictions and guesses about what will happen if the colors or patterns get mixed together.

Investigation Questions:

  • What happens when you swat the fly swatter onto the paper? What if you tap it down softly?
  • What happens to the pattern when you drag the fly swatter across the paper?
  • What do you notice?
  • What happens when you have too much/too little paint on your fly swatter?
  • What happens when the colors mix together?
  • What other unconventional utensils do you think could be used for painting? What would that look like?

    • Learning Standards

    Students will explore art, colors, and patterning by using fly swatters to paint various designs on their own paper.
     
    11.A.ECg Generate explanations and communicate ideas and/or conclusions about their investigations
    Students will make predictions about color mixing and imprinting as they use various fly swatters to paint their paper.
     
    25.B.ECa Describe or respond to their creative work or the creative work of others.
    Students will analyze and describe their creations and art, making note of why they chose the fly swatters and colors they used.
     
    25.A.ECd Investigate and participate in activities using visual arts materials
    Students will engage with the various colors and materials to create their artwork.