Objective: Students will explore color through a watercolor technique called “wet on wet.”

Materials:

• Watercolor paper, cut into rectangles (Mine measured 4"x6")
• Masking tape
• Liquid watercolors
• Small watercolor brushes
• Cups for water

Preparation:
Prepare the watercolor paper by taping off each side of the rectangle with masking tape.

Procedure:

1. Students first wet their paper with clear water. The texture of the watercolor paper allows the water to be absorbed, unlike many other types of papers in which the water sits on the surface.
2. Students dot and brush on liquid watercolors, allowing time for the colors to bleed and mix together.
3. The entire surface of the paper is covered with color. Then the painting is allowed to dry.
4. Students can then remove the masking tape to expose a clear white edge, which acts as a matting or frame.
5. These tiny watercolor paintings may be framed or mounted on matboard for added effect.

Curriculum links:

• Science: colors
• Art technique: watercolor
• Language: vocabulary

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©   Deborah Padrick   2001