Our free resource art site, MakingArtFun.com, features the biographies of our major artists, along with a collection of printable resources and lesson ideas that make learning fun!

Painting the masterworks of our great artists is an awesome way to introduce kids to, and help them connected with art and the artist that create it.  The following projects are easy and rewarding. We hope you enjoy these resources.

Here a list of the watercolor supplies you will need to get started:

Watercolor Paints
Invest in an inexpensive student watercolor set – either tubes or pans.

Watercolor Paint Brush
Your watercolor set may come with a paint brush. It not, a no.8 round brush is a great one to get started with. Student brushes are available in natural hair, synthetic or a blend or both. Natural hair brush are always the better choice because the hold more water.

Watercolor Paper
Watercolor paper is heavier than computer paper so that it can take a soaking. You can buy inexpensive paper, though make sure it’s 90lb. or 140lb. weight, so that it will stay flat when it gets wet.

Watercolor Pallet
A paper plate covered with plastic wrap, or a white plate, will provide a wonderful first pallet on which to mix your colors.

Watercolor Projects
Each of the following watercolor projects are ideal for elementary/jr. high art students, or anyone want to learn a few basic skills.

Degas Ballerina
This art project introduces the art of Edgar Degas (1834-1917). Following a step-by-step approach, students will learn basic watercolor painting techniques as they paint an excerpt from his “Ballerina.” The lesson provides kids with an opportunity to experiment with dry brush technique.

The Singing Fish (Miro)
This art project introduces the art of  Joan Miro (1893 -1983). Following a step-by-step approach, you’ll learn basic watercolor painting techniques as you paint an excerpt from his “The Singing Fish.”

Sunflower (Van Gogh)
This art project introduces the art of  Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890). Following a step-by-step approach, you’ll learn basic watercolor painting techniques as you paint an excerpt from his “Still Life: Vase with Twelve Sunflowers.”

The Girl with the Pearl Earring (Vermeer)
This art project introduces the art of Jan Vermeer (1632-1675). Following a step-by-step approach, you’ll apply basic watercolor painting techniques, including wet-on-dry wash and glazing, as you paint his masterpiece “The Girl with the Pearl Earring.”

Three Musicians (Picasso)
This art project introduces the art of Spanish Modern artist Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). Following a step-by-step approach, you’ll learn basic watercolor painting techniques as you paint an excerpt from his cubist masterpiece “Three Musicians.”

Beasts and the Sea (Matisse)
This art project introduces the art of Henry Matisse. Following a step-by-step approach, you’ll learn basic watercolor painting techniques, including how to create a flat wash, as you paint an excerpt from his “Beasts and the Sea.”

Are you interested in learning the basics of watercolor, though you’d rather not paint fruit?

Our free resource art site, MakingArtFun.com, which features the biographies of our major artists, along with a collection of printable resources and lesson ideas, has just created a series of free printable watercolor lesson plans. These introductory watercoloring lessons are designed to appeal to the funny side of your brain. Following a step-by-step approach, you’ll learn basic watercolor painting techniques as you paint characters and scenes that are sure to make you giggle!

Retro Robot | “Learn to Watercolor” Project

“Make a Wish” Fairy | “Learn to Watercolor” Project

The Little Engine That Could | “Learn to Watercolor” Project

Monkey Loves Banana | “Learn to Watercolor” Project

Snork Monster | “Learn to Watercolor” Project

Whimsical Flight | “Learn to Watercolor” Project

What you’ll need for these watercolor projects:

Watercolor Paint Box
Watercolor sets should provide rich and wonderfully satisfying color. A Reeves or Prang watercolor set offer just this at an economical price.

Watercolor Paper
Watercolor paper is a special paper that’s thick enough to take a soaking and still stay flat. It comes in different textures and weights (thicknesses). A 140lb textured paper is recommended.

Watercolor Brush
Different brushes give different results. A medium-sized (#5) round brush is perfect to get you started.

Watercolor Pallet
Your local art/craft store offers a variety of watercolor pallets if you would like to purchase one. However, a paper plate covered in plastic wrap will work just fine.

Pencil
Art pencils are available in soft and hard leads. However, your #2 school pencil will work just fine.