Watercolor Resist Patterns

Kindergarteners learn about patterning, and this is a colorful way of reinforcing the concept.

1. I recommend watercolor paper be used, if possible, as it really does make a difference in the color brightness. Prep 9" x 12" sheets by drawing marks on the top and bottom every 2 inches across. Ask the student to connect the marks with a pencil so that they have 5 panels on their page. Trade the pencil for a crayon and ask them to trace the pencil lines.
2. Show some examples of line drawing patterns that they can choose from (circles, squares, hearts, stars, etc.) The students are to choose one type of pattern for each panel, and then draw each directly with a crayon.
3. I like to dilute watercolor tablets in water and give students liquid paint to fill each panel. They students are to paint each panel a different color, or a pattern of colors.

CA Visual Art Standard: Creative Expression 2.1
Use lines, shapes/forms, and colors to make patterns.

Birch Trees

Variations of this project are often posted on Artsonia.com, but I like the subtle colors that come out in this version by painting with a toothbrush.
1. Each student starts with a 9" x 12" sheet of watercolor or heavy paper. They are to tear off six strips of 1 1/2" wide painter's masking tape at various lengths from 6" to 7" long. Then, carefully tear each piece of tape down the middle and attach each joining the straight edges so that the outer edges are rough. Note: Overlapping the shorter lengths will create narrower trees for enhanced depth of field, as shown. Place the pairs randomly on the watercolor paper with top ends touching the top of the page. Press all of these “trees” down firmly.2. Using acrylic paint, dip a toothbrush in green paint and hold over the paper. Rub a thumb over the bristles so that paint splatters onto the paper. Don't worry about smudges as they will look like clumps of grass. Repeat until the bottom grass area is filled. Wash the brush and repeat with blue for the sky above.
3. After the paint has dryed, carefully peel away tape to reveal white trees. Water down black paint until it is very thin. With a brush, paint a gray vertical stripe on the white tree to represent the shadow. Repeat on all the trees, always keeping the shadow on the same side of the tree.
4. With thick black paint, paint small horizontal marks randomly on the trees.

Masterpiece Coloring Book 2

My “Masterpiece Coloring Book 2” includes ten pages in simple line form for coloring with room to add personal touches. Also included is a new feature. Each is scaled to fit on an 8" x 10" canvas, if desired. This post includes detailed instructions for mounting. Click HERE to preview all ten pages.

Top row, left to right: Chinese painting by an unknown artist, “The Birthday” by Chagall, “The Wave” by Hokusai. Middle: “Portrait of Jeanne Hebuterne” by Modigliani, “Color Studies” by Kandinsky, “Sunflowers” by Van Gogh and “Little Dancer” by Degas. Bottom: “The Creation of Adam” detail by Michelangelo, “The Birth of Venus” detail by Botticelli and “Tahitian Women" by Gauguin.

You can purchase my pdf file with instructions for just $5. Click the “Add to Cart” button below to make your payment and receive download instructions.

How to Apply a Drawing to Stretched Canvas

SUPPLY LIST
Dry Wax Paper: 10"x10" or larger, from restaurant supply store or Amazon.com
A drawing to trace, or make your own in a 7.5" x 9.5" paper
One 8" x 10" stretched canvas
Permanent Markers: Sharpie and/or BIC. No waterbased.
White glue (not pictured), Elmer’s or other brand are fine.
Scissors and paint brush (not pictured)


STEP ONE
I centered and taped my dry wax paper over my Van Gogh Sunflower drawing that is part of my Book Two collection. Referring to a photo that I found on the internet, I traced the lines and filled them in to match the original as best I could. When the coloring was complete, I removed the template back and trimmed out the wax drawing near the edges.


STEP TWO
To apply your drawing so that it really “hugs” your canvas, follow these application steps carefully. I’ve learned that the best way to prevent bubbles is to first apply your glue mixture (50/50 glue and water) to the canvas front. Be generous so there are no visible dry spots.


STEP THREE
Apply the glue mixture to the back of the wax drawing. Again, be generous so that there are no visible dry spots. I’ve supervised this step with young students as they tend to miss spots.


STEP FOUR
Center the wet drawing on the canvas, right side up. Smooth, and apply more glue mixture on the front.

STEP FIVE
Smooth out any air bubbles that you see with your brush and or your fingers, if necessary. You may still see some wrinkles remaining as shown above. Not to worry, these will go away as the paper dries and shrinks.

This is how the canvas looks when the paper is completely dry. Smooth city! This is a great way to make drawings look like they were created directly on canvas, which given the texture, is difficult to do. Also, students can make sure they have art they like before permanently mounting it. If anyone has results they would like to share, please email me your pictures. Enjoy!

Masterpiece Coloring Book 1

I’m proud to release my first electronic coloring book, which is based solely on famous masterpiece paintings. All ten page drawings are created in simple line form so students may try to match the original or create their own modern-day version. Included is a new feature – they are all scaled to fit on an 8" x 10" canvas, if desired. Click HERE to see a more detailed account of just how to make your own canvas mini masterpiece.
 

Click HERE to see a preview of all the pages in my Masterpiece Coloring Book One. Top row, left to right: “American Flamingo” by John James Audubon, “Tree of Life” by Gustav Klimt, “Lady in Purple Coat” by Henri Matisse and “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo Da Vinci. Middle row: “The Boating Party” by Mary Cassatt, “The Sleeping Gypsy” by Henri Rousseau, “The Bedroom” by Vincent Van Gogh. Bottom row: “Head of Man” by Paul Klee, “I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold” by Charles Demuth, “Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Jan Vermeer.

You can purchase my pdf file with instructions for just $5. Click the “Add to Cart” button below to make your payment and receive download instructions.

Louise Nevelson Found Sculpture

Louise Nevelson was a creator of wood assemblages made from found objects doused in paint. She worked hard to get recognition in the mostly male art world, but wished to be seen as more than just a ‘woman artist’.

1. I glued the basic square as shown ahead of time for the young students to keep things sturdy. Give each student white glue and enough sticks to fill in the box as shown to make a flat board.
2. Collect a bunch of small items (like buttons, paper clips, puzzle pieces, etc.) that have different shapes and textures and have the students glue them down with generous amounts of white glue. Let dry overnight.
3. If you have the budget, paint heavily with white or black acrylic paint so the art has a shine when complete. If not, tempera paint will work too, you just may need more coats to block out color below.