Watercolor Paintings

I think I might call every project my favorite project, but these watercolor paintings are actually my favorite. Historically, most of my students have said that the watercolor lesson was their favorite, too, because it opens them up to a new media and they are given a lot of choice in subject matter. Let me outline the lesson:

We start by creating watercolor booklets to teach each of the watercolor techniques. Last semester I created a video tutorial for students to follow along to, which I love because it allows me to walk around the room and help the students who need assistance instead of being stuck at the front of the room instructing. The video is also linked to my lesson slideshow, so students are able to go back and re-watch it at any time if they forget how to implement one of the techniques. The booklets are made out of one sheet of paper, so they can essentially take them anywhere! When I first started out painting with watercolor, I enjoyed sitting outside and painting my surroundings, so the booklet was a helpful bit of inspiration for trying different techniques.

Next I introduced students to the project, where they ultimately choose between painting a landscape, dragon, or animal. This year I had students create thumbnail sketches of all three subjects and receive feedback from their peers before finalizing their subject matter. Once they decided on one of the three subjects, students sketched out a full-page rough draft. Each class completed a TAG (tell something nice, ask a question, give a suggestion) critique to provide further feedback on their ideas. After the critique, students were able to make final alterations to their rough drafts before moving on to their finals. 

I have been beyond impressed by the artwork my students have been producing this week! The goal is to use at least three watercolor techniques in their paintings, and I've been seeing some used in new ways than I've ever seen before. I cannot wait until these paintings are finished so I can add them to the Virtual Art Show to show off! Here are some works-in-progress:

Check out my Twitter and Instagram for more frequent updates on the painting process!

Watercolor Paintings

Artists are in full swing with their watercolor paintings! Students have enjoyed being able to choose their subject, which allows students to pick a composition they know that they will be most successful in creating.

Last week, students created watercolor booklets where they demonstrated several watercolor techniques. I love book arts and find that the one-page booklet is simple to make, but is very useful as a study guide or a quick little booklet.

After the booklets, students created rough drafts and then engaged in a gallery walk critique where they gave feedback to help inspire their classmates with ideas.

The last two days students have been starting on their paintings. Students also have the choice in size of their paper, so I have artwork spanning from 9" x 9" to 18" x 24". Here are a few works-in-progress:

Have a fabulous Thanksgiving!

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!