Watercolor Landscapes

I think I say this about all the projects, but the 6th grade watercolor landscapes might be my actual favorite project. I was so resistant to using watercolor paints almost my whole life, but after taking a watercolor exploratory class at Hood College (shout out to Gary Cuddington being the BEST painting instructor), I realized that watercolor wasn't scary. What I like most about watercolor painting is the variety of abstract techniques that artists can use to create subject matter. Watercolor is meant to be loose and fluid (hence the name watercolor), but it doesn't have to be; it is up to the artist to decide.

I always start this project by discussing what makes up a landscape. I have a slideshow with images of Chinese watercolor paintings and students practice drawing several elements in their sketchbooks. After they have experienced the elements that make up a landscape, I introduce watercolor techniques. As I discuss the different techniques I like to give them ideas about which techniques would work best for the different landscape elements. It also allows students to think about which techniques they want to use while they are planning their rough drafts. Students are provided a list of landscape elements and must incorporate at least five of them into their painting while demonstrating at least three of the watercolor techniques.

Students try out flat wash, gradient wash, wet-in-wet, dry brush, wax resist and what I call "lift off," which  makes me think of rockets every time I say it, but the name fits the technique well. I have students put crumpled up tissue paper on top of wet paint so when they lift it off (see, lift off) it leaves behind a textured appearance. For this particular project, lift off is a great technique for rocks. Anyway, after students learn the techniques, they created rough drafts in their sketchbooks, which were quickly turned into watercolor paintings.

It looks as if the whole class will be finished their paintings on Monday or Wednesday next week, so I will be updating the Virtual Art Show shortly. I look forward to sharing their finished masterpieces!