Painting

Consider using a vertical surface for students to paint on rather than desktops or the floor. The paper could be attached to a wall or cupboard, or an easel used if available. Painting on a vertical surface also gives the advantage of students being able to stand back and look at their work in progress from a different point of view. However, liquid paints are usually not suitable for vertical surfaces because than may run or dribble.

Taping paper Student using big brush

If paintings cannot be completed in one sitting, rather than letting the students paint 'wet on wet', the paintings should be left to dry over the lunch break or over night. Use Edicol dyes with students with care as they may stain carpets or student clothing. Collect a variety of unusual or non-traditional surfaces to be used for painting such as; textured paper and cardboard, pieces of timber panelling, material, wall paper, different coloured cardboard, sheets of plastic. Establish 'painting stations' in separate areas of the room where equipment can be grouped together.

Squeeze brush

Show students how to remove excess water from the brush after washing by squeezing the water out with your fingers..  

Brushes

Give students a variety of brushes because different brushes suit different purposes. It may be hard for students to paint fine details with a large brush.

Different brushes

Store brushes bristle end up. Do not leave brushes in water and change the water used for cleaning brushes frequently.

Container for storing brushes upright

Cleaning up

If there are no sinks or taps near the classroom, use large buckets or containers for clean water to refill washing jars and also for emptying dirty water into.

Bucket

Have designated 'clean-up' helpers or monitors to clean up the equipment and materials quickly and efficiently at the end of the lesson