Spin Art Techniques
Have you heard of Spin Art? It is well recognised in the art world as a result of the work that British artist Damien Hirst has produced. He first came across the process of spin painting as a young boy watching the popular children’s TV show Blue Peter in 1975. To give you a little background one of the presenters, John Noakes, was demonstrating how to make these unique pieces of art using a motorised spinning machine. Damien never forgot about it and in the early 1990s began to incorporate the idea into his own work fast becoming renowned for the concept.
The process of spin painting
So how did he achieve the effect? Here’s the science bit. It works due to the centrifugal force that is created by placing the canvas onto a spinner and pouring the paint from above so it always lands on a moving surface.
How to make a spin art machine
If you want to have a go at creating you own DIY spin art it is easier than you might think. All you need is a regular kitchen salad spinner.
If you are a young artist reading this please ask permission from a grown up BEFORE using one as you won’t be able to use it for salad prep afterwards!
Simply cut some paper to fit and secure into the base. Add one or two blobs of paint, put the lid on securely and get spinning. How cool does that sound. Use a variety of colours and experiment with making the paint mixture wetter to see what consistency gets the best results.
Top Tip
Wear old clothes and make sure your painting surface is well protected just in case!
You can use a simple salad spinner
Add a few blobs of paint
What kind of paint do you use for spin painting?
You can use most types of paint but acrylic paints work best. They tend to be brighter, cleaner colours and can withstand the process well. An added bonus is that they dry quickly too. Once you have done it a few times you’ll be able to see if you need to adjust the consistency making it wetter or a tad less watery.
It is easy to see why spin art for preschool is so popular. It is a great way to engage youngsters and introduce them to new ideas and activities. They don’t need great manual dexterity to achieve results, just the ability to hold the spinner.
Salad spinner art ideas
Now that you know how to do spin art there is lots of fun to be had. Check out these fabulous ideas over at our Creative Station:
Make colourful friendly snails using a paper plate for the shells. Spin Art Snails
Or these multi-coloured butterflies. Salad Spinner Butterflies
You can buy a cheap salad spinner in most local high streets but if you need to restock your art box with card, paper plates, paints or other items such as wiggle-eyes for the snails and butterflies, we have everything you need. Order online and get it delivered straight to your door. It couldn’t be easier.
Check out our Art Supplies.
Have fun making your spin art designs and please do share them with us by posting a photo on our social media platforms. Our team love seeing all your ideas.
This painting activity is so easy for kids for all ages. There’s so much fun to be had with a simple salad spinner that we think you’ll want to dig yours out right away! Check out these fabulous ideas over at our Creative Station.
