Joint Collaborative Art for Incognito Art Show

Here’s a peek at one of our joint collaborative art projects:  8 of the 12 individual A6 artworks, blue-taped together and painted as one larger piece.
 

We began with a mottled blue underpainting — soft, cloud-like shapes — before diving into our favourite stages of Pattern Playing. As we layered with orange, pinks, blues, and aqua, a theme emerged: underwater, fish-like, mermaid-y. Without even planning it, everyone independently gave their pieces ocean-themed names, and the colour scheme became known as "Mermaid."

It was a relaxed family activity, done over a few short sessions. Once the tape came off, each of us finished our three individual pieces using paint pens in the same palette with black accents — adding sparkle, flow, and tiny details - before titling them.

Then they were off to Sydney for the Incognito Art Show, where artworks sell anonymously to raise money for supported studios helping artists living with disabilities. Each of our pieces sold for $100 — and although the kids would love to pocket that for gaming, they understand the real value: supporting others in their creative lives. (We’re pretty sure ours were the only collaborative entries in the whole show!)

How’s your creative play going lately? If you feel like diving into something ocean-inspired, this was created with our "Mermaid" colour scheme — here it is. I prefer using a very dark blue over black, but black is ok:

🎨 Need a quick creative boost?
Check out Easy Collaborative Art, my new podcast! Tiny 5-minute episodes full of Pattern Play tips, beginner-friendly ideas, and ways to explore group art—perfect for anyone curious about creativity. (see the transcript for episode 19 below: "Group Painting for Beginners: How Can You Balance Structure and Fun?")
 

🎧 Listen here on the Podcast Hub or search “Easy Collaborative Art” on your podcast player of choice.
 

(Hint: Each episode has a hidden letter… collect them all for a secret Pattern Play Challenge after Episode 9!)

Happy Painting,

Charndra 

P.S. Once you’re in the flow, it’s all colour and pattern. Let your 50% off code be the first splash - the product description is where it starts:

Episode 19 publishes this Thursday, here is the brief transcript: 

Group Painting for Beginners: Balancing Structure and Fun.

When you’re leading a group painting session, the right balance of structure and freedom can make all the difference, especially for beginners. A simple framework builds confidence: things like limiting the colour scheme, choosing a couple of brush sizes, and guiding painters through the three Pattern Play stages. This structure gives everyone a clear starting point and reduces the overwhelm that often stops people before they begin.

Within that structure, there’s still plenty of room for spontaneity. Painters can use the Pattern Play Prompts however they like, or they can invent their own patterns by noticing shapes in clothing, décor, books, or everyday objects. Those personal details often inspire others, creating a fun mix of ideas across the canvas.

When you blend structure with spontaneity, group painting becomes relaxed and creative rather than stressful. Beginners avoid muddy colour mishaps, they feel supported, and they end up with something they’re proud of — an outcome that matters at this early stage of experimenting.

Pattern Play Collaborative Art follows this exact balance: start with Messy Playing, move into Exploring with simple patterns, and finish with Bling details using paint pens. It’s an easy rhythm that helps anyone feel creative, even if they’ve never painted before.

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