47 Simple and Stunning Mother’s Day Painting Ideas

Use these Mother's Day painting ideas for kids to make presents she’ll adore. These painting gifts are perfect for kids to do alone, with assistance from a grownup or as Mother’s Day painting ideas for adults. It’s normal to wonder what the easiest thing to paint is, especially when helping small children. 

Mother's Day painting ideas for toddlers should be simple and easy to direct (extra points if clean-up isn’t crazy). A painting for a mom from an older daughter or son can be more complicated with more directions. Mother’s Day painting ideas for adults are often unique Mother’s Day gifts and can be as complicated as you want. Let’s get creative! 

 Jump to Section

• Easy Mother’s Day Painting Ideas
• Unique Mother’s Day Painting Ideas Moms Will Love
• Fun Mother’s Day Painting Ideas Even Kids Can Do!

Easy Mother’s Day Painting Ideas

Don’t have time for DIY? Consider online art classes or art classes near you. They’re an immersive and simple way to create beautiful art. 

1. Fingerprint Cards

Create a memorable Mother’s Day painting idea by using small fingerprints to design beautiful cards. Little ones can dip their fingers into the paint to craft hearts, flowers or animals. This simple yet personal artwork doubles as a keepsake, capturing the unique pattern of tiny fingerprints, making it a special and heartfelt gift for mom that she’ll treasure for years to come.

2. Handprint Flower Art

What is easy to paint for Mother's Day? It’s tough to get simpler than handprint art. Start with bright paint on their hands, then press them onto a canvas or paper, adding stems and leaves with a brush. This creative, hands-on project is an easy way to create a floral masterpiece that not only decorates but also holds sentimental value for moms everywhere.

3. Pretty Poem for Mom

Combine thoughtful words with art by creating a pretty poem for mom. This is one of the best Mother's Day canvas painting ideas. Decorate the canvas with painted flowers, hearts or abstract designs. The mix of words and colors turns this project into a personalized gift, reflecting love and creativity, while also becoming a keepsake of cherished memories.

4. Sponge-Painted Cards

Make Mother’s Day special with a sponge-painted card, a creative and fun painting idea that even young kids can do. Dip sponges into colorful paints and dab them onto a blank card to create textured patterns. Add embellishments like hearts or flowers to complete the card. The textured look and unique shapes make this gift extra thoughtful and visually striking.

5. Thumbprint Heart Canvas

For a sweet and personal Mother’s Day painting idea, create a thumbprint heart canvas. Dip thumbs into the paint and press them side by side to form heart shapes. Add colorful layers or leave them simple and finish with a special message. This keepsake captures the tiny thumbprints of loved ones, making it a sentimental gift that’s both simple and heartfelt.

6. Paper Plate Rainbow Painting

Is there a color for Mother's Day? Not according to this fun craft! Bring joy to Mother’s Day with this easy paper plate rainbow painting idea. Kids can paint vibrant rainbow stripes onto a paper plate, adding clouds, sunbeams or even glitter to complete the cheerful design. This Mother’s Day painting idea is a simple yet colorful way to celebrate mom, combining creativity with an eye-catching, bright display of affection and love.

7. Melted Crayon Art

This Mother’s Day painting idea for toddlers or adults is both colorful and unique. Melt crayons on a canvas using a hairdryer, allowing the vibrant wax to drip and blend into abstract patterns. Kids can choose colors that represent mom’s favorite hues, creating an eye-catching design. The final result is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that mom can proudly display, symbolizing creativity and love.

8. Q-Tip Painted Flowers

Create a garden of Q-tip painted flowers as a special Mother’s Day painting idea. Dip Q-tips into paint and use them to dab dots onto paper, forming floral designs in various colors. This easy technique results in beautiful patterns that children can do with ease. These dot-painted blooms will bring cheer to mom and serve as a creative, handmade gift.

9. Washi Tape Painting

Washi tape painting is a stylish and easy Mother’s Day painting idea that’s perfect for kids. Start by placing strips of decorative washi tape on a canvas or paper, creating geometric shapes or abstract designs. Kids can then paint over or between the tape lines. Once the tape is peeled off, the result is a clean, modern design that mom will love to display.

10. Watercolor Resist Art

Watercolor resists art is a magical Mother’s Day painting idea that’s sure to surprise and delight. Draw a design with white crayons or masking fluid, then let children paint over it with watercolor. The areas with the crayon will resist the paint, revealing hidden designs once dry.

This simple yet stunning technique creates vibrant, beautiful art that mom will cherish forever.

11. Paper Towel Roll Stamped Flowers

For a unique Mother’s Day painting idea, use paper towel rolls as flower stamps. Cut the end of the roll into petal shapes, dip it into paint and stamp it onto paper to create beautiful floral patterns. This project is an easy and playful way for kids to create art, resulting in a pretty, hand-stamped masterpiece that will brighten any Mother’s Day. Also, who doesn’t love creative recycling? 

12. Fruit and Veggie Stamp Art

Turn fruits and veggies into fun stamps for a unique Mother’s Day painting idea. Slice items like apples, potatoes or celery, dip them into paint and press them onto paper to create cool shapes and patterns. The natural textures from the produce will create organic designs, resulting in a playful and creative art project that’s both imaginative and full of love.

13. Dot Marker Art

Dot marker art offers a simple yet impactful Mother’s Day painting idea. Using dot markers in vibrant colors, children can create patterns, flowers or even abstract designs. This technique is especially suited for younger kids, as the markers are easy to handle. The finished Mother's Day painting on canvas will be fun, full of personality and a delightful gift for mom.

14. Popsicle Stick Painted Flowers

For a fun and creative Mother’s Day painting idea, make popsicle stick-painted flowers. These playful popsicle stick flowers will bring a smile to mom’s face and serve as a sweet keepsake. Paint popsicle sticks in bright colors to form flower petals and stems, then glue them onto a card or canvas. Kids can add extra decorations like leaves or glitter to enhance their designs.

15. Spray Bottle Painting

Spray bottle painting is a fun and messy Mother’s Day painting idea that kids will love. Fill spray bottles with watered-down paint and let children spritz a blank canvas or paper, creating vibrant splatter effects. This dynamic and expressive art project results in a unique abstract design that’s as fun to create as it is to look at, making it a memorable gift.

16. Tissue Paper Collage Art

Tissue paper collage art makes a colorful and dynamic Mother’s Day painting idea. Tear tissue paper into small pieces and glue them onto a canvas or paper in a mosaic-like pattern. Children can layer different colors for a bright, eye-catching effect. This Mother's Day canvas painting is easy and creative, making it an exciting way to show mom some love through artistic expression.

Unique Mother’s Day Painting Ideas Moms Will Love

Wondering what crafts I can do for Mother's Day? Look to the uniquely special for some inspiration!

17. Painted Flower Pot

A painted flower pot is a Mother’s Day painting idea that combines art with functionality. Let kids decorate a terracotta pot with their favorite colors and designs, using brushes or even handprints. Once dry, plant mom’s favorite flower inside. This thoughtful gift provides both a beautiful decoration and a lasting reminder of the special day.

18. Painted Bookmark

For a thoughtful and personal Mother’s Day painting idea, create a painted bookmark. Let kids paint small strips of cardstock with colorful designs, patterns or even special messages for mom. These handmade bookmarks are both useful and heartfelt, offering a personal touch to mom’s reading experience. It’s a sweet, simple painting for moms from daughters and sons that shows appreciation every time she opens her favorite book.

19. DIY Watercolor Card

A DIY watercolor card is a delicate and elegant Mother’s Day painting idea that adds a handmade touch to mom’s special day. Once dry, they can add a heartfelt message inside. The soft, flowing colors of watercolor create a beautiful effect that makes the card a lovely keepsake. Plus, this can be a fun mother-daughter activity for a grown-up duo. 

20. Painted Handprint Bowl

Create a special keepsake with a painted handprint bowl as a Mother’s Day painting idea. Let children dip their hands in paint and press them onto a plain ceramic bowl, creating a unique design with their tiny prints. Once dry, the bowl can be used to hold jewelry, keys or other small items. This thoughtful, practical gift is a sweet reminder of little hands over time.

21. Custom Portrait

Capture the essence of mom with a custom portrait as a heartfelt Mother’s Day painting idea. Whether created by an older child or adult, a hand-painted portrait of mom, her children or the family can be a deeply meaningful gift. This personal artwork can be a godmother gift or even makes for a wonderful mother of the bride gift.

22. Geometric Canvas Art

Geometric canvas art is a modern and stylish Mother’s Day painting idea that adds a chic touch to mom’s decor. Use masking tape to create bold, geometric shapes on a blank canvas, then fill in the spaces with vibrant colors. Once the tape is removed, the result is a sleek, contemporary design. This eye-catching artwork will brighten any room and make mom feel celebrated.

23. Ombre Painted Picture Frame

An ombre-painted picture frame is a beautiful Mother’s Day painting idea that combines art with a personal touch. Choose mom’s favorite colors and create a gradient effect by blending shades from light to dark on a blank picture frame. Add a treasured photo inside and the finished frame will not only display a special memory but also serve as a piece of decorative art. Plus, it’s super fun and funky. 

24. Stenciled Initial Canvas

This is one of the cutest Mother's Day canvas painting ideas. Use stencils to paint mom’s initial or name onto a canvas, then add decorative elements like florals or patterns around it. This project offers a stylish, customized gift that mom can proudly display, adding a touch of personality and love to her home decor.

25. Gold Leaf Accent Canvas

Gold leaf accent canvas art is a sophisticated Mother’s Day painting idea that adds a touch of elegance to any space. Start by painting a design or pattern on a canvas, then apply gold leaf to select areas for a shimmering effect. The gold accents elevate the artwork, making it a luxurious and eye-catching piece that mom will treasure for its beauty and craftsmanship.

26. Painted Terracotta Garden Markers

Painted terracotta garden markers are a practical yet artistic Mother’s Day painting idea perfect for moms who love gardening. Let kids paint small terracotta markers with plant names, flowers or colorful designs. These handmade markers will brighten up mom’s garden or herb pots, adding a touch of creativity and love to her outdoor space while serving a useful purpose.

27. Abstract Family Silhouette Art

For a modern and personal Mother’s Day painting idea, create an abstract family silhouette. Paint the outlines of family members in bright, bold colors on a blank canvas, using abstract patterns or brushstrokes to fill in the shapes. This artistic representation of the family becomes a beautiful piece of wall art that symbolizes the strong, loving bond between mom and her loved ones.

28. Nature-Inspired Pressed Flower Painting

Combine the beauty of nature with art in a nature-inspired pressed flower painting, a lovely Mother’s Day painting idea. Begin by painting a canvas with soft, earthy tones, then press real flowers onto the surface, securing them with a clear adhesive. The result is a delicate, organic piece of artwork that captures the beauty of flowers and celebrates mom’s love for nature.

29. Monogrammed Wood Slice Painting

A monogrammed wood slice painting is a rustic and personal Mother’s Day painting idea. Paint mom’s initials or name onto a round wood slice, adding floral designs or abstract patterns for decoration. This natural, earthy gift can be used as a wall hanging or decorative accent. It’s a creative way to show mom appreciation with a personal touch that brings the outdoors in.

30. Painted Serving Tray

A painted serving tray is a functional yet artistic Mother’s Day painting idea that adds charm to mom’s kitchen. Choose a plain wooden tray and let kids paint colorful designs or meaningful words across the surface. Once sealed, the tray becomes a beautiful and useful item that mom can use for serving food or drinks, while also reminding her of the special day.

31. Paint Pour Coasters

Create a set of colorful, one-of-a-kind coasters with paint-pour art as a fun Mother’s Day painting idea. Pour different shades of acrylic paint onto ceramic coasters and tilt them around to create mesmerizing, swirling patterns. Once dry and sealed, these coasters become a functional piece of art that mom can use daily, while also admiring the creativity behind them.

32. Botanical Watercolor Prints

Botanical watercolor prints make for a picture-perfect Mother's Day painting on canvas that brings the beauty of nature indoors. Paint delicate leaves, flowers or herbs in soft, pastel watercolors on thick paper or canvas. These gentle, nature-inspired artworks will bring a calming, serene vibe to mom’s home and serve as a reminder of the special bond shared on Mother’s Day.

33. Mosaic Tile Art

Mosaic tile art offers a vibrant and creative Mother’s Day painting idea that adds flair to mom’s home. Arrange colorful ceramic or glass tiles into a pattern or design, then glue them onto a board or canvas. The final product is a beautiful mosaic that catches the eye and brings a burst of color to mom’s decor, symbolizing the care and creativity of her family.

Fun Mother’s Day Painting Ideas Even Kids Can Do!

According to Britannica, “the first Mother's Day was on May 12, 1907.” The meaning has changed a lot since then, but the sentiment is the same. Honor our moms! Kids of any age can celebrate their moms with the following drafts (with a little help from an adult). 

34. Painted Rock

Painted rocks offer a simple yet charming Mother’s Day painting idea. Kids can choose smooth rocks and paint them with designs, messages or cute animals. These small, decorative rocks can be placed in mom’s garden, used as paperweights or simply kept as colorful keepsakes. It’s a creative way to express love and create something lasting that mom can treasure.

35. Handprint Butterfly for Mother’s Day

Turn handprints into butterflies for a delightful Mother’s Day painting idea. Have children dip their hands into paint and press them onto paper or canvas, then add a body, antennae and details to create a butterfly. This project is easy and fun, creating whimsical, colorful artwork that represents transformation, love and a beautiful connection between mom and her little ones.

36. Celery Stalk Rose Stamp Card

Use a celery stalk to create beautiful rose-shaped stamps for a creative Mother’s Day painting idea. Dip the end of the celery stalk in paint, then press it onto a card or canvas to create rose prints. This clever stamping technique produces a lovely floral design that is perfect for Mother’s Day. Add a personal message to complete the heartfelt gift.

37. Egg Carton Flowers

Transform egg cartons into blooming flowers for a fun Mother’s Day painting idea. Cut the cups of the egg carton into flower shapes, paint them in bright colors and glue them to a paper stem. These charming, recycled flowers are a perfect homemade gift for mom, adding a touch of creativity and sustainability to her special day.

38. Heart Stamped Card

A heart-stamped card is a sweet and easy Mother’s Day painting idea. Cut a heart shape from a potato, dip it in paint and stamp it onto a blank card to create a repeating pattern. Add a personal message inside for a heartfelt touch.

39. Splatter Paint Ring Dish 

Create a custom ring dish with splatter paint as a playful Mother’s Day painting idea. Let kids splatter colorful paint onto a plain ceramic dish to create an abstract, one-of-a-kind design. This functional project will give mom a unique place to store her rings or small trinkets, serving as a thoughtful reminder of her special day.

40. Bubble Wrap Painted Flowers

Use bubble wrap to create textured flowers for a unique Mother’s Day painting idea. Apply paint to a sheet of bubble wrap, then press it onto paper to create the floral shapes. This technique adds dimension and texture to the artwork, resulting in a vibrant, creative flower painting that mom will love to hang or display in her home.

41. Handprint Tulip Bouquet

Create a handprint tulip bouquet for a sentimental Mother’s Day painting idea. Have children dip their hands in paint, press them onto paper to form tulip shapes and then add green stems and leaves. This colorful bouquet captures the sweet image of little hands while also celebrating the beauty of tulips, making it a cherished gift that symbolizes love.

42. Handprint Salt Dough Plaque

A salt dough handprint plaque is a lasting and heartfelt Mother’s Day painting idea. Create a simple dough mixture, press your child’s hand into it and let it dry. Once hardened, kids can paint the plaque with bright colors, turning it into a personalized keepsake. This charming craft will remind mom of her child’s little hands for years to come.

43. Marbled Shaving Cream Art

Create a mesmerizing Mother’s Day painting idea with marbled shaving cream art. Spread shaving cream onto a tray, swirl in paint and press paper on top to transfer the design. The result is a unique, marbled pattern that looks like flowing watercolors. This Mother's Day canvas painting is easy and visually striking, making it a creative and special gift for moms.

44. Pom Pom Flower Painting

Pom pom flower painting is a fun and easy Mother’s Day painting idea for young children. Dip pom poms into paint and press them onto paper to create colorful flower shapes. Add green stems and leaves with a brush to complete the design. The bright, textured flowers make this artwork a cheerful way to celebrate mom’s special day.

45. Sunflower Fork Painting

For a creative Mother’s Day painting idea, use a fork to paint sunflowers. Dip the fork’s tines in yellow paint and press it onto paper to create sunflower petals. Add a brown circle in the center and green stems and leaves to complete the flowers. This unique technique is both fun and simple, resulting in a beautiful, handmade gift for mom.

46. Yarn-Wrapped Cardboard Painting

Yarn-wrapped cardboard painting is a tactile and colorful Mother’s Day painting idea. Wrap a piece of cardboard with yarn, then paint over it. Once the paint dries, remove the yarn to reveal the design. This project combines textures and patterns, making it a fun and interactive way to create art that mom will enjoy displaying in her home.

47. Tissue Paper Flower 

The bright colors and textured flowers make this project a cheerful and creative gift that mom will love to display. Have kids glue crumpled tissue paper onto a canvas or card to form flower shapes, then paint stems and leaves to complete the artwork. 

The best paintings are the ones that come from the heart. These Mother's Day painting ideas for kids, toddlers and adults will be treasures she’ll love.

For even more fun gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!