Watercolors 

Activity Description:

In this activity, students learned four different techniques for painting with watercolors. We began by studying a watercolor artist and how they became famous for their unique style. Then, as a class, we were guided through drawing the basic elements of a still life: the walls and floor, and a table with a flower vase on it. Once the drawing was complete, we traced over all of our pencil lines with a black Sharpie. This step ensured that our watercolor paint wouldn’t stray outside of the outlined areas. Finally, students began painting their still life, incorporating at least three of the watercolor techniques they had learned earlier in the lesson. This allowed them to experiment with different techniques while creating their own vibrant interpretation of the still life.

Extension Activity:

Nature Walk and Seasonal Change:
As an extension, we could take a nature walk to explore different leaves, flowers, and their unique colors. During the walk, we’d discuss how the colors of leaves and flowers change throughout the seasons and how this reflects nature’s cycle. Students would then use watercolors to demonstrate how a particular leaf or flower changes during a specific season, capturing its transformation through the use of different techniques and colors. This would not only connect art with nature but also tie in an educational element about the changing seasons.