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The Picture That Hides Under Tape
What picture could be waiting under these strips?
LOOK CLOSELY
What could be under there?
Follow the tape with your finger. What shape might appear when it comes off?
Video coming soon. Explore the activity below.
Gather what you need
Sturdy paper, low-tack painter’s tape, washable paint, and a brush.
For your grown-up: Test low-tack tape on a spare piece first. Peel gently; some paper may tear, and paint may seep under the edges.
Let’s see what happens.
- Arrange tape on paper as paths, shapes, or a mystery pattern.
- Predict which parts of the paper will stay unpainted.
- Paint across the paper and tape. Choose colors and marks your own way.
- Let it dry, then ask a grown-up to help peel slowly. What do the uncovered spaces become?
Your ideas belong here too.
Trace an imaginary tape path with your finger. Where will the paint be? Where will the paper show?
Tell me about your making.
How did the empty spaces change your picture?
What would you try next?
“I’ll show you how I did mine. Yours doesn’t have to look like mine.”
For grown-ups · lesson notes
For grown-ups: open the little lesson plan →
Elements of Art focus: Space. Discover how covered paper leaves open space in a picture. Meet the seven art ideas →
PLAY THIS ART ADVENTURE · 07
Secret Tape Paths
Discover how covered paper leaves open space in a picture.
Art ideas: Space. One playful connection to this project.
Find this resource again: mrrichiecreates.com/episodes/picture-under-tape