Rainforest
A vibrant screen-free painting journey inspired by the colour, energy and life of the Brazilian rainforest
What happens when children are given permission to paint boldly, explore texture freely and step into a world overflowing with colour and life?
Rainforest is an immersive, paint-rich art project that invites children to explore the beauty, movement and biodiversity of the Brazilian rainforest through bold, expressive painting. Inspired by carefully selected visual references, including illustrations from Rainforest by Helen Cowper and photographs of tropical birds, plants and animals, children work entirely away from screens, using their hands, eyes and imagination to create vibrant, layered artworks.
Across a series of calm but energising sessions, children are encouraged to experiment with colour, pattern, texture and composition while learning to respond creatively to one of the most visually rich environments on Earth. The project also introduces gentle environmental awareness, helping children think about the natural world with curiosity, care and wonder.
This is a joyful, sensory and confidence-building project that celebrates creative freedom while developing real artistic skills.
9 to 12 years old
90 min. 4 sessions
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Textured Painting
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Nature
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Global Warming
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Colour
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Creative Boldness
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Textured Painting - Nature - Global Warming - Colour - Creative Boldness -
A world of colour, texture and wonder
Rainforest offers children a hugely inspiring starting point for art.
Its birds, leaves, flowers, animals and dense layers of vegetation provide endless possibilities for pattern, contrast, rhythm and colour. Through guided observation, children begin to notice the richness of natural forms; the curve of a leaf, the brightness of a parrot, the layering of plants, the energy of tropical ecosystems.
These visual discoveries then become the basis for expressive painting. Children are encouraged to work boldly, trust their instincts and enjoy the process of building an artwork that feels vibrant and full of life.
The result is a project that feels both exciting and grounding: imaginative, but rooted in the real beauty of the natural world.
Textured Painting Project
At the heart of this project is a wonderfully freeing idea: creative boldness matters more than perfection.
Children are supported to experiment, take visual risks and explore paint as a material with energy and confidence. They learn that strong artwork does not always come from tiny detail or cautious decision-making, it can also come from courage, movement, colour and the willingness to try something new.
This makes the sessions especially valuable for children who may need encouragement to loosen up, trust themselves and enjoy the process without fear of mistakes. The atmosphere is supportive and celebratory, helping each child feel capable, expressive and proud of what they make.
9 to 12 years
90 minutes per session
3-4
Up to 3 children
In-person, fully screen-free
Age Group:
Duration:
Sessions:
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WHAT CHILDREN WILL EXPLORE & LEARN
Led by a qualified Primary School teacher and former SENCO, sessions are carefully structured to support a wide range of learning styles, confidence levels and abilities.
Children are guided step by step through clear demonstrations and manageable stages, with plenty of flexibility for personal interpretation. The emphasis is always on confidence, experimentation and joy, helping children understand that expressive work can be powerful and that creativity often flourishes when pressure is removed.
This approach creates a safe, encouraging environment where children feel supported to explore boldly and succeed in their own way.
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Working confidently with acrylic paint and understanding its properties.
Exploring a range of textural techniques, including:
Dabbing thick paint for surface texture.
Painting over string, card, bubble wrap or hessian.
Layering paint once earlier layers have dried.
Learning when to use brushes for fine detail and when to apply paint more freely.
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Studying rainforest animals, birds, flowers and plants.
Sketching from observation and learning how to simplify complex forms.
Enlarging and transferring designs onto corrugated card for strong visual impact.
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Mixing a wide range of greens and vibrant accent colours.
Understanding that some painting styles favour boldness, texture and saturation.
Developing confidence by learning that acrylic paint allows mistakes to be reworked or painted over.
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Composing a strong background before adding focal elements.
Optionally creating raised elements to introduce a subtle 3D effect.
Developing hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
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Learning about rainforest habitats and biodiversity.
Gaining an age-appropriate understanding of global warming and its impact on nature.
Encouraging respect for the natural world through creative engagement.
PROJECT ESSENTIALS
Materials Provided
All materials are supplied, including:
- Acrylic paints and brushes.
- Corrugated cardboard.
- String, bubble wrap and textured materials.
- Optional polystyrene elements for layered effects.
- Visual references and sketching materials.
- Scissors and glue.
Safety & Accessibility
Careful guidance is given when cutting textured materials.
Any scalpel work (if required) is handled solely by the artist and kept out of reach.
Techniques and tools are adapted to suit different confidence levels and motor abilities.
Materials and sensitivities are checked with parents in advance.
Pricing
1 child: £80 per session.
2 children: £120 per session.
3 children: £180 per session.
Custom pricing available for schools or whole-class projects.
WHY PARENTS LOVE IT
A screen-free, sensory-rich painting experience.
ENCOURAGES CONFIDENCE, BOLDNESS AND CREATIVE RISK-TAKING.
introduces environmental awareness through art, not lectures.
Small group format with individual attention.
A JOYFUL ALTERNATIVE TO OVERLY STRUCTURED OR DIGITAL ACTIVITIES.
Children leave with a striking artwork and renewed creative self-belief.
Get started today
About the Project Leader
Lucy
Qualified Primary School Teacher (PGCE) with over 30 years of classroom experience.
Extensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in art education with leading institutions including:
Bow Arts Trust
Tate Modern
The Line
The Visual Arts Foundation
London Gifted & Talented
Designed and delivered whole-school CPD on sculpture, supporting and training class teachers.
Since 2003, has created and led bespoke art workshops for children aged 6–11, thoughtfully tailored to curriculum and enrichment themes including: History and cultural studies, Science and nature, Multi-faith and global stories, PSHE, Maths through creative exploration.
Strong background in fashion, sewing, and upholstery, bringing practical, tactile skills into her sessions.
Led large-scale intergenerational costume-making workshops involving children, parents, and grandparents, with themes such as: Insects, The Lion King, African animals, Arabian Nights, Ancient Egypt.