Easy Collaborative Art Podcast – Episode 16: How to Create Collaborative Art Murals?
Ever wondered how to lead a collaborative art mural that’s simple, inclusive, and full of creative energy? This episode breaks down how to design and paint a group mural using my beginner-friendly Pattern Play Collaborative Artframework.
In episode 16 of Easy Collaborative Art, I talk about how to create collaborative art murals with groups of all ages.
You’ll discover how to make the process fun, structured, and confidence-building — even if no one in your group considers themselves “an artist.” I share my favourite mural facilitation tips from 8 group art mural projects with more than 350 painters.
What you’ll discover in this episode:
• How to guide a whole group through the creative stages of Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling.
• Why structure and playfulness work beautifully together in collaborative murals.
• Simple facilitation strategies that make murals achievable, inclusive, and enjoyable for every participant.
Links and Resources:
🎨 Read the full episode transcript: Episode 16 – How to Create Collaborative Art Murals?
📘 Grab your free Beginner’s Guide toCollaborative Art
🎧 Podcast Home: Easy Collaborative Art
Happy Painting!
Charndra
Your Inclusive Social Art Guide
Tips for Collaborative Art Projects for School Murals
Here’s a quick guide for leading easy, school-based collaborative mural projects with classes or mixed-age groups. Imagine you’re a teacher, wellbeing leader, or social worker helping students paint a small, beginner-friendly mural together. This process works beautifully for walls at or below ceiling height — perfect for corridors, shared spaces, or outdoor areas where no ladders are needed (let’s not risk a fall!).
Preparation Stage: UnderpaintingStart by preparing your mural surface — a primed wall or large panels painted indoors and installed later. Use primer to seal the surface, then add a second coat tinted with your base colours. Apply it with rollers, brushes, or sponges for visual texture.
This tinted base turns a blank wall into an inviting space and helps students overcome the fear of “making the first mark.” Involving them early builds ownership, pride, and confidence — the perfect start to a positive, inclusive project.
Step 1: Messy PlayingGive students large brushes and encourage bold, overlapping marks — circles, arches, spirals, dots, and dashes. Have them move around, painting solo or in pairs, to keep the energy flowing.
Use a limited colour palette of three or four harmonious shades for unity. Chalk a few big prompts to inspire large gestures. This first layer is playful and freeing — a favourite step for many kids as they relax and enjoy the movement.
Step 2: ExploringOnce the surface is full of marks, it’s time for patterns and overlapping! Use my Pattern Play Pages for ideas or invite students to invent their own designs inspired by what they see.
Encourage variety in size, rhythm, and layering to build visual depth. Remind painters that others may paint over their work — this is part of collaboration in action.
Facilitator tip: As the mural develops, switch to smaller brushes so students can refine details. This shift adds depth and sophistication while keeping it beginner-friendly.
Step 3: Bling!Time for finishing touches! Students can use paint pens for outlines, 'inlines', decorating and doodling the patterns and details that add sparkle and personality.
This final layer ties everything together and gives everyone a sense of pride. Add the mural’s name along the edge and hide the painter's first names across the mural — students love finding them later!
This easy, three-step mural process helps teachers and facilitators guide groups in creating inclusive, colourful, and meaningful artworks. On a school wall or community wall space, Pattern Play Collaborative Art builds teamwork, creativity, and confidence — celebrating connection through creativity.
