Here’s my tutorial on my “Bird in a Cage” watercolor project from earlier this week. I’m growing really fond of using both permanent markers and crayons before painting as you get the boldness of the marker lines plus the “artsy” look of the crayons. MATERIALS Watercolor paper Crayons Sharpie marker Liquid watercolor paint DIRECTIONS 1. Draw an upside down … Read More
Learning how to draw a skull, be it for Halloween or Day of the Dead celebrations, is not that hard if you break it down into steps. MATERIALS Watercolor paper Black Sharpie marker Crayons Liquid watercolor paint DIRECTIONS Draw guide lines on paper. Draw skull as shown. Trace the drawing with the black marker. Add decorations and patterns with crayons. … Read More
Lemon juice dropped on a watercolor art trading cards will make some pretty cool shapes if left to sit for a few minutes. Give it a few minutes to soak, dab away with a tissue, and some crazy shapes are left as a result. MATERIALS • Watercolor paper, cut to 2.5″ x 3.5″ ATC size • Dr. Ph. Martin’s paint … Read More
The best pumpkin lesson plans are easy for students of all ages. This mosaic pumpkin art with tape mean you only need scissors and tape. Anyone who has tried before to make a mosaic with paper, knows how hard it is to keep things neat and tidy. Working with tape eliminates all that, and just leaves a smooth surface. And … Read More
These leaves could be a study in the different types that live in your area. Add layers of markers and you’ll have some very colorful art. MATERIALS Finger paint paper Paper cutter (recommended) Sharpie brush markers Black Sharpie marker Metallic markers Trading card sleeves DIRECTIONS Coated paper works great with the Sharpie markers. If you don’t have access to … Read More
I have admired Art Trading Cards for years, amazed at what some dedicated artists can create on the very small 2.5″x 3.5″ format. MATERIALS • Watercolor paper • Paper cutter • Black Sharpie marker • Liquid watercolor paint • Crayons • Old phone book papers (for house collage) • Gelli pens • Various markers • Misc stencils DIRECTIONS PREP: Cut … Read More
This simple chicken painting is a great project for beginners, say like kindergarten or so. Simple shapes to draw, yet easy to personalize with a crown or extra fancy feathers. MATERIALS • Multimedia paper • Circle template, a small cup or similar • Crayons • Liquid watercolor paint • Salt DIRECTIONS 1. Students trace a small cup for a round … Read More
If you want to encourage kids to draw tall shapes, it helps to have paper cut to match. MATERIALS • Watercolor paper, 18″ x 24″ cut into 18″ x 6″ panels • Crayons • Watercolor paint, I prefer the liquid kind DIRECTIONS 1. Students discuss all the different ice cream flavors they could think of. The point is to realize how … Read More
I’ve used this Mother’s Day Card idea for kinders for years and I’m still surprised at how nice they turn out, especially when colored with bright patterns. MATERIALS • White construction paper, 12″ x 18″ size • Black Sharpie marker’ • Oil pastels DIRECTIONS PREP: Cut large white construction paper (12″ x 18″) in half to make panels of 6″ … Read More
This Line Pattern Leaf could be simplified for kinder and 1st grade students. I drew my leaf and filled it in, but a large template to trace might help younger students get started. • View and download Line Leaf Template MATERIALS • Line Leaf print • Black Sharpie marker, fine tip DIRECTIONS PREP: Print one Line Leaf Template for each … Read More
Here’s my favorite way to make canvas art for fundraisers. This is a composite of 125 kinder self-portraits, all done with permanent markers on dry wax paper. It went up for sale at my school’s silent auction. • View and download Portraits on Canvas Tutorial MATERIALS • Stretched canvas • Dry wax paper, NOT wax paper (Dry wax paper is found in … Read More