Outdoor art projects aren’t just about the scenery (although, yes please to painting under a shady tree). Some projects are actually easier and more fun when done outdoors—whether it’s because of the mess factor, the natural light, or the inspiration that only fresh air can deliver.
So, if you’re feeling the itch to make something but don’t want to be stuck inside, here are five of our favorite art projects that practically beg to be taken outside. Bonus: you don’t need much to get started!
Cyanotype Prints (a.k.a. Sun Prints)
This project is part art, part science experiment, and 100% awesome. Cyanotype paper is photo-sensitive, meaning it reacts to sunlight. Lay down some leaves, lace, flowers, or other found objects, let the sun do its thing, rinse with water—and boom! You’ve got a beautiful blue-toned botanical print.
Sun Print Kits come with premade paper—ready to expose and use. If you don’t have the budget for a kit, a super cheap alternative is to use black construction paper for a similar effect but it takes longer and is not as vibrant. You can also get super nerdy and make your own Cyanotype paper. No matter what route you go, you will have fun! You might also notice things in your surroundings you might miss otherwise.
It’s magical, quick, and easy enough to do with kids or total beginners. We recommend keeping a few sheets in your summer art bag at all times. Just in case the light hits right.
Nerd tip: Impress passersby by casually explaining oxidation like a science wizard.
Nature Brush Painting
Forget your fancy brush set—this project is all about DIY mark-making. Grab some twigs, pine needles, tall grasses, or flower stems, and bundle them together with a rubber band or a bit of string. Dip into watercolor or ink, and start painting to see what kinds of wild textures your nature brushes create.
It’s messy, experimental, and way more fun to do in a place where paint splatter is no big deal (read: not your living room).
Pro tip: the more oddball the brush, the cooler the texture.
Nature Rubbings
A classic for a reason. This one’s simple, satisfying, and great for all ages. Just take thin paper and a soft pencil or crayon, and start rubbing textures you find—tree bark, leaves, sidewalk cracks, whatever catches your eye. Want to level it up? Use your rubbings as the base layer for a collage or mixed media piece later on.
It’s a gentle way to slow down and really see your surroundings. You might be surprised what textures are hiding in plain sight.
Supply Tip: Rice paper or mulberry papers work beautifully. Ideally, you want something thin and easily molded. Bond paper or some marker papers can work as well. If you are on a budget, you can even use cheap printer paper with good results, if you want to grab something from home. Pencils, graphite sticks, conte crayons, beeswax crayons, sidewalk chalks, and charcoal sticks are all great products for the actual marking.
Found Object Assemblages
If you’re the type who pockets interesting sticks, rocks, or bottle caps on your walks—first of all, same. Second, this one’s for you. Found object art is all about assembling the cool little treasures nature (or the city) throws at your feet.
Make a sculpture, create a temporary installation, or arrange your finds into a still life and sketch it on the spot. You can leave the piece where you made it, snap a photo for keeps, or take the materials home for your next collage session.
Watercolor Field Sketching
We know, we already hyped this in our Outdoor Art Tips, but watercolor field sketching deserves its own spotlight. With a travel-friendly palette (like the Art Toolkit Pocket Palette), a trusty water brush, and a small sketchbook, you can paint pretty much anywhere: on a trail, at the beach, or even from your car dashboard.
Outdoor art projects are light, quick, and all about catching the mood of a moment. And yes, watercolor does dry faster in the sun, so that’s one more reason to take it outside.
Need cyanotype kits? Travel palettes? A new sketchbook that won’t buckle in the heat? We’ve got all the supplies you need for outdoor art projects—just stop by Art Supply Center and we’ll hook you up. Bonus points if you bring in a leaf rubbing to show off. Tag us @artsupplycenter in your outdoor art creations!
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