Maurice Sendak's book "Where the Wild Things Are" is a natural intro to this project. 1. I recommend using large (15" x 22") watercolor paper as it helps the students make generous shapes that are really vivid when later painted. Drawing paper will look pale and curl up - trust me I found out the hard way! Have the students mark with a pencil the center of the paper, and then draw a circle from that which fills the top half of the paper. Explain that the students will be drawing a monster of their creation, but it must have a large head like those shown in the Sendak book.
2. Next, they should draw a body under the head. Legs and arms are to be added, along with a silly face. Lastly, details such as clothing lines and circles are drawn. Give each student a permanent black marker and ask them to trace all the pencil lines.
3. Distribute watercolor paint that is made from tablets that have been dissolved in spill-proof cups. Ask the students to paint in all the shapes they have drawn, including the background. This monster was created last year by a 1st grader.
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5 comments:
A great idea! Can you recommend a brand of watercolors for young children (preschool and up)? I love the rich colors in the example.
I just did this with my kids and they loved it!! Thanks for such a great idea!!!
The watercolors are just dissolved Crayola tablets popped out of their plastic trays. About 2 tablets per cup of water makes a nice, rich color.
What kind of watercolor paper do you purchase for your students? I've only found 12 sheets for 9.98!
I like www.misterart.com. They have bulk watercolor paper, 50 sheets for $7. Go to:
http://www.misterart.com/store/view/001/group_id/4451/CANSON-Biggie-Jr-Watercolor-Pad.htm
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