Using markers to "paint"

Today was day one of homeschooling at our house as well.  For our easy art activity today, my boys experimented with "marker paint."  Here's what you need:


Thick paper
Markers (fairly "juicy" ones if you have them)
Water
Paint brushes


1.  Draw a SIMPLE shape with THICK outlines.

2.  Using a wet brush, trace the marker edges and use the water to move the color into the white spaces.

3.  Rinse the brush between colors.  Start the next area.  Don't scrub too much or the paper will tear.  Details WILL smear (that's the point) and you may need to add a little more color.


This is VERY experimental and playful when you first do it.  Happy accidents are common, so start with simple shapes or try mixing colors (red and blue for example) by putting a stripe of each color down and leaving space between for the water to mix them.  Once you get the hang of it you can use this technique when you want to paint a simple, fast drying background and don't have paints.  You can also let it dry and then draw over top again with the markers or a Sharpie.  This might also be fun in a coloring book with younger kids -- like those old paint with water books!!




 


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