H@H Kids Edition: Summer Break! Watercolor Painting (Episode 14)

Create this project along with Lisa!
Instructional video will premiere on the Museum’s YouTube Channel on Saturday, July 11 at 10 am.

Project Overview:

First, we will learn about what a landscape is and how to sketch before we begin painting! After getting inspired by nature and our surroundings, we will get creative and make our own artwork. We’ll be using our observation skills to create a one of a kind watercolor painting!

Materials:

  • paper
  • pencil
  • brushes
  • watercolor
  • paper towels
  • tape
  • ruler
  • cup filled with water (halfway)
  • scissors (optional, for cutting viewfinder)

Key Concepts:

  • “en plein air” painting
  • landscape
  • viewfinder
  • composition
  • details
  • watercolor techniques
  • horizon line
  • foreground/middleground/background

Step-by-step Instructions:

  • Find an outdoor location where you would like to paint what you see “en plein air!”
  • Optional: Make a viewfinder to help you frame your composition.
    • Take a small rectangular piece of paper and fold it in half.
    • Starting along the fold, cut a rectangle out of the center.
    • Unfold and you will have a “viewfinder” to help you find, and frame, your view!
  • Tape your paper to a hard surface such as a piece of cardboard, a book, etc.
  • Sketch out your scene lightly in pencil. Begin with the horizon line.
  • Add details in the foreground, middleground, and background. Try to overlap to show distance. Change the size of objects- Remember, small in the background because things are farther away and larger in the foreground because they are up close.
  • Experiment with different techniques as a warm up!
    • Blending colors
    • Damp paper vs dry paper
    • Different size brushes
    • Using salt to add texture 
  • When you have included all the details that you would like, sign your name like a professional artist.
  • Remove the tape when your painting is done!

Share!

Please share photos of your finished works of art with us on social media and we will post some of our favorites here. And check back next week for our next project! #HeckscheratHome #MuseumfromHome