Which art form do you like - realistic or abstract?

What can we use if we don't have a paint palette, cup of water, or a clean rag?

Use a paper plate or muffin tin to mix paints, a cleaned jar or plastic cup for water, and paper towels or an old T‑shirt in place of the rag when you 'Set up your workspace'.

My realistic painting doesn't look like the reference — what should I do?

Test small colour mixes on spare paper using the paints you mixed on your palette, keep your pencil sketch light as in 'Lightly sketch the realistic subject', and build the image in thin layers letting each layer dry as suggested in 'Paint the realistic picture' and 'Let the realistic painting dry'.

How can I change the activity for younger or older children?

For younger kids, simplify to one large shape on a single sheet with washable tempera and finger‑painting for the abstract, while older children can follow every step including detailed pencil sketching, carefully mixing main colours on a palette, and trying at least two techniques like blending and splattering.

How can we extend or personalize the activity after finishing the paintings?

Make a mini‑exhibition by adding mixed media (like tissue or glitter) to the abstract, writing a short artist statement about the feeling you chose, and then photograph both finished paintings to share on DIY.org as the final step.