The summer is a great time to embark on a new art project. We've shared all kinds of cool summer crafts for tweens, but what if your older kid wants to explore something a little more artistic? Well, this collection of summer art projects for tweens and teens is sure to inspire.

So, what's the difference between summer arts and summer crafts? To me, a craft project is about making something - maybe something functional, like jewelry. While an art project is more about letting your creativity go and making something for no reason but exploring color, texture, light, etc. Does that make sense to you? That's my 2-second explanation.
These summer art activities are perfect for older kids because they are a little more challenging than the work that younger kids might create. Summertime is a great time to take a break from school and explore something a little more free-flowing and purely creative.
Summer Art Projects for Tweens and Teens
String Art - Sugar Bee Crafts shares tips and tricks for making simple string art designs. String art will have your kids exploring design and conceptualizing amazingly creative art pieces.
Tape Resist Art - Who knew that a few strips of tape and paint could result in a beautiful piece of art? Capture a summer sunset with The Pinterested Parent's tape-resist silhouette art project
Printmaking - Artful Parent shares how to use pieces of foam in this amazing printmaking art project. Such an interesting process art project.
Fresco Painting - Are you familiar with fresco paintings? If you know about Michelangelo's work then you totally are. We share how to paint on fresh plaster (fresco) with our simple fish fresco painting project for kids.
Painted Seashells - There are so many amazing art projects that can be made from natural items you find at the beach. Bring home some seashells and check out Handmade Charlotte's technique for painting seashells
Painted Rocks - Next up, are painted rocks. Gather up some rocks on your next hike and celebrate the beauty of a summer sky by making galaxy rocks from Color Me Happy
Ocean Art - And, speaking of heading to the beach. How cool is this jellyfish chalk art from Projects with Kids?
Black Glue Art - Here's a totally out-of-the-box art project idea. I Heart Crafty things shares how simple it is to create something beautiful with black glue! Love these beautiful black glue art seahorses.
Zentangle Doodle Art - Another graphic art project for tweens is our zentangle doodle art. With a few simple supplies, kids can spend hours doodling and creating amazing art pieces.
Pastel Whale Art - Celebrate the incredible beauty of whales with The Crafty Classroom's whale art pieces. Using pastels, glue and very interesting techniques to bring this whale tail art to life
Magazine Art Project - I love an art piece that upcycles an ordinary item into something amazing. Little Stuff shares the most interesting recycling art project - creating a magazine bear art piece.
Inspiring Art - Being a tween can be tough and having a piece of art that is filled with quotations can be truly inspiring. Buggy and Buddy shares this super cool splatter art tape resist art project
Self-Portrait Art Project - Transform your own fingerprint into a piece of art! How cool is Craft Whack's fingerprint self-portrait art project
Summer Colouring Bookmarks - Sometimes you are looking for a super simple creative art activity. Print off our summer bookmarks, grab your pencil crayons and get coloring. Pop the finished bookmark inside your favorite summer book.
Tissue Paper Seahorse Art Activity - The Crafty Classroom shares an interesting tissue paper art technique to make this lovely seahorse art project.
Get creative with song lyrics with this tape-resist canvas art project - celebrating our fave Taylor Swift lyric.
And, make a zentangle initial art piece - a wooden initial covered in cool zentangle patterns.
Or, here's another fun tape resist project for tweens - make a tape resist heart on canvas.
The only question is, which art project will you tackle first?
Related Posts
Be sure to check out our summer crafts for tweens post for all kinds of crafting inspiration.
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[…] your tween is looking for something a little more artistic – check out our collection of summer art projects for tweens – packed with fun summer art activities for […]