Create a Speed Paint
Create a quick speed-paint time-lapse using acrylics or markers, focusing on color blocking and simple brushes while recording progress for a fast art video.
Step-by-step guide to create a speed paint
RED DRESS SUNSET / Acrylic Painting / How To Step By Step For Beginners / Speed Painting
Step 1
Gather all the materials from the list and bring them to your workspace.
Step 2
Lay down the protective covering on the table to keep it clean.
Step 3
Set up a camera or phone above your workspace so it will record a top-down view of your painting.
Step 4
Start recording before you touch paint.
Step 5
Pick a simple subject to paint and choose 3 to 5 colors to use.
Step 6
Use masking tape to tape the paper or canvas to the work surface so it won’t move.
Step 7
Lightly sketch the big shapes of your subject with a pencil.
Step 8
Put small amounts of each chosen paint onto your palette or place your markers within reach.
Step 9
Use the flat or sponge brush to block in the largest shapes with single colors.
Step 10
Wait a short time for the painted areas to dry slightly before painting next to them.
Step 11
Add smaller details and simple textures with the small round brush or markers.
Step 12
Stop the recording when your painting looks finished.
Step 13
Speed up the recorded footage in a video app to create a fast time-lapse of your painting.
Step 14
Share your finished speed-paint time-lapse on DIY.org.
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a tripod, sponge brush, or masking tape?
If you don't have a tripod, tape your phone to a stack of books or use a selfie stick pointed down for a top-down view, substitute a clean kitchen sponge or foam brush for the sponge brush, and use painter's tape or even strong clear tape if masking tape isn't available.
What should we do if the paint keeps smudging or the camera moves during recording?
Follow the instruction to 'Start recording before you touch paint' and to 'Wait a short time for the painted areas to dry slightly before painting next to them,' blot extra wet paint with a paper towel, secure the paper with extra masking tape, and firmly tape or clamp your phone so it won't shift.
How can we adapt the activity for younger kids or older kids?
For ages 3–6, simplify the sketch, limit to 3 washable markers or tempera colors on thick paper, and have an adult set up the camera and tape the paper, while older kids can use 5+ colors, refine the pencil sketch, add small brush details, and experiment with faster editing in the video app.
How can we extend or personalize the speed-paint project after recording?
When you 'Speed up the recorded footage in a video app,' add a title card, background music, and color notes, create a series using different palettes or subjects, and sign and date the finished painting before you 'Share your finished speed-paint time-lapse on DIY.org.'
Watch videos on how to create a speed paint
Canva Speed Painter: The Ultimate Speed Art Tool
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Facts about painting techniques for kids
🎨 Acrylic paint can dry in about 10–30 minutes for thin layers, making it great for quick speed-paints.
⏱️ Speed-paint challenges typically give artists 10–60 minutes to force bold, fast decisions.
🖌️ Big, simple brushes and color-blocking let you define shapes and lighting in just a few strokes.
📹 Time-lapse compresses real time — turning 60 minutes of painting into a 1-minute video equals a 60× speed-up.
🌈 Many artists use a limited 3–5 color palette during speed paints to stay cohesive and paint faster.
How do I make a quick speed-paint time-lapse using acrylics or markers?
What materials do I need to create a speed-paint time-lapse?
What ages is a speed-paint time-lapse suitable for?
What are some fun variations or challenges for a speed-paint time-lapse?
