AboutMaryAnn F. Kohl Expertise I am an expert in anything about art for children, but not crafts. I have written over ten books of art ideas for kids, using materials found commonly in most homes. I like easy ideas!
maryann@brightring.com
MaryAnn F. Kohl, author
Experience began writing in 1985 after teaching elementary aged kids for ten years
Question I teach pre Kindergarten. We love to water color but I have no background in art. Do you have any ideas in how to "pad" our art paper to absorb excess water thus preventing ruining our art work?
Answer HI, Linda:
I'm so happy to hear you are doing art with your kids. Makes my day shine like the top of the Chrysler Building. :o)
So, about all that water: You need to use something other than newsprint for the paper (if you are using newsprint), that's first. Use a nice white drawing paper if possible, and I don't think you can use watercolor paper because it's too expensive, but that would be best. I think Discount School Supply has watercolor paper at a pretty good price, but still, it's more than regular paper.
So the whole absorbsion thing relies on the type of paper you are using. The thicker the paper, the less the mess.
You can try placing paper on a pad of newsprint...that might help, or even on a towel that can be laundered over and over.
I just checked Discount School Supply, and here is the price of top quality for kids watercolor painting paper: Real Watercolor Paper, 9" x 12" - 50 Sheets
# 8WWMONET
Your Price: $5.99
It's a good price, but still a lot to spend. Maybe for something special, though, it would be beautiful.
You also might try doing watercolor painting on coffee filters or other highly absorbant paper, for a different look and a different experience.
Another idea is to do watercolors on fingerpainting paper. It is glossy and the paint won't soak in as much.
I recommend "Liquid Watercolors" from Discount School Supply instead of watercolor paints in a box. They last longer, have prettier colors, and make lovelier paintings.
Believe it or not, it's also fun to "paint with water" on rocks and chalkboards without any paint. Just an idea.
Kids also like painting with a tiny brush and water on the lines of a drawing done with washable markers. It bleeds the marker marks and is quite fun. You can use a Q-tip instead of a brush, to help control "over watering" the art.
I hope these ideas help. I know that it doesn't solve your very wet problem, but perhaps understanding about different papers will help some. Which reminds me: Go to a local fine printing store (not Kinkos type) and ask if they have any posters or large glossy paper to recycle. The blank side or back of this type of paper is lovely for watercolor painting...slippery and paint spreads nicely..
