EXERCISE

Balloons and Dart Splatter Painting

Freeform splatters of paint are the result of this fun and messy technique. Fill balloons with a little fluid paint and pop them using darts to create painted backgrounds with drips and explosions of color.

Creative Toolbox

liquid watercolors, fluid acrylics or spray inks

plastic cups

balloons

plastic syringe for painting

mixed-media paper

Masonite or foam core board

darts

push pins

STEP 1: Fill Balloons With Paint

Place fluid paint in a small plastic cup and use a plastic syringe to draw out the paint. Set aside and blow up balloons. Holding them tight in your hand, place the tip of the syringe into a balloon and fill it slowly with paint, then tie off the top with a knot.

STEP 2: Hang Balloons

Pin up a piece of heavyweight mixed-media paper on a Masonite board or foam core outside. Once the balloons are filled, press push pins through the balloon knots to secure them over the paper.

STEP 3: Throw Darts

Stand back about 5 feet (1.5m) from the balloons and throw darts to pop the balloons. It helps to wear clothes you don’t mind getting paint on.

STEP 4: Rotate Canvas

Rotate the background paper, tack up a couple more balloons and repeat throwing darts until all the balloons are popped. The final piece reveals colorful and fun paint explosions.

Balloon Splatter Tips

• It may be helpful to blow up the balloons with a pump or have another person help. One can blow up balloons, and the other can add the paint.
• Always blow up the balloon before adding paint.
• Do not use any cadmium paints or others with warning labels that say they should not be sprayed.
• This project is recommended for adults only, or kids supervised by adults.
• This is a painting exercise best done outdoors. If done indoors, make sure to cover floors and walls before beginning.