About This Video

In this guided activity video, JD leads viewers through an abstract art project called Painting with Glue.

The activity begins by using colored glue to create lines, loops, circles, waves, triangles, squares, and other shapes on paper. After the glue dries, JD shows viewers how to paint the open spaces with watercolor, using the dried glue lines as raised borders.

The finished artwork has a colorful, experimental look that JD describes as almost like stained glass. Viewers are encouraged to be loose, random, playful, and creative instead of trying to make a specific object or copy JD exactly.

This video gives viewers a hands-on art activity that combines glue, watercolor, color choice, abstract design, experimentation, and pride in finished work.

Supplies Needed

• Paper

• Watercolor paints

• Paint brushes

• Cup of water for rinsing brushes

• Paper towel

• Masking tape or Scotch tape

• Colored glue, such as blue, black, glitter, or another visible color

• Extra paper underneath to protect the table

• Art binder

• Three-hole punch, if adding the finished artwork to a binder

Good For

• Adults with IDD who enjoy painting, abstract art, colors, textures, sensory art, or creative experimentation.

• Caregivers looking for a guided art activity with flexible steps, simple shapes, and room for personal choice.

• Adult day programs, home routines, or group activities about art, creativity, fine motor practice, following directions, watercolor painting, and self-expression.

• Viewers who benefit from calm pacing, encouragement, visual modeling, and permission to make artwork that is completely unique.

How to Use This Video

Use this video as a guided abstract art activity for a home routine, day program, small group, or independent creative time with support nearby.

This project has two parts: making the glue design and painting after the glue has dried. Caregivers may want to plan extra drying time between steps. JD suggests letting the artwork dry in the sun if possible, weighting it down so it does not blow away, or using another safe drying method.

Caregivers can gather the supplies ahead of time and help viewers set up the paper, colored glue, watercolors, brushes, water cup, paper towel, tape, and table protection. The glue design does not need to be neat or planned. Viewers can make loops, circles, waves, shapes, or any pattern they choose.

Because this activity involves glue, watercolor paint, water, tape, drying time, and optional hole punching, caregivers can provide support with setup, squeezing glue, protecting the table, managing spills, taping the paper down before painting, using a three-hole punch, or adding the finished artwork to an art binder.

At the end, viewers are encouraged to sign their artwork, let it dry, show it to friends and family, and save it in their binder.