How to Make a Wax Resist Watercolor Painting With Children

The wax-resist method uses ordinary watercolors and crayons.

Wax-resist watercolor enables the painter to create stunning results with little or no watercolor painting experience. It is an easy activity for children and a suitable art project for the classroom, regardless of the age or skill of the students. The method is also useful for individuals with disabilities or the elderly.

Things You'll Need

• Newspapers
• Small bucket
• Watercolor brushes, various sizes
• Watercolor paper
• Wax crayons
• Watercolor paint (dry pan type)

Instructions

1. Cover a large table with several layers of newspaper to protect it from stains, and set out a large container of water, watercolor paper, wax crayons, watercolors and brushes.

2. Draw with wax crayons, pressing down hard to force the wax into the tooth of the paper. Bright or light-colored crayons, such as white, yellow, pink, sky blue and peach, work best.

3. Wet the watercolor paint, pooling water on the surface, and allow it to sit for a few minutes.

4. Wet a paintbrush, swirl the wet brush in the paint, and paint randomly over the crayon drawing. The wax will resist the paint, causing the design to "pop out" in the painting. Use several colors of paint to completely cover the surface of the paper.

5. Hang the finished paintings on a bulletin board or place flat on shelves to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Using white crayons will provide the most-dramatic results.

• This project makes a wonderful gift for parents when matted or framed.

• As a holiday project, cut watercolor paper into shapes. Punch a hole when the painting is dry and thread yarn through to create unique tree decorations.

• Use nontoxic paints when working with children.