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.”
