Watercolor crayons are a fun and versatile art supply for kids, offering the combined experience of drawing and painting. They are essentially crayons with water-soluble pigments that can be blended using water.
Understanding Watercolor Crayons
Watercolor crayons, unlike regular wax crayons, respond to water. This means when you apply water, the crayon marks will spread and create a watercolor effect. It's important to note that you don't need expensive materials to start. According to the provided reference, "you don't want to use your good quality brushes" when working with watercolor crayons, as the paint will affect the quality of the brush.
Step-by-step Guide to using Watercolor Crayons for kids
Here's a simple guide to using watercolor crayons:
- Drawing:
- Start by drawing on paper with the watercolor crayons as you would with regular crayons.
- Press lightly or firmly depending on the intensity you desire.
- Water Application:
- Use a wet brush, sponge, or even a cotton swab to apply water over the crayon marks.
- For younger kids, a broader brush might be easier.
- The water activates the pigments and allows them to blend and spread.
- Blending:
- Gently move the brush across the crayon lines to blend them.
- You can create different effects by using more or less water.
- Layering:
- Experiment by layering colors. Apply a layer of crayon, activate with water and allow to dry, then repeat this process. This method allows for more interesting and complex color effects.
- Experimentation:
- Encourage kids to experiment with different amounts of water and pressure to see what effects they can create.
- Let's see how these blend encourages experimentation with various colors according to the reference.
- Different papers will absorb water differently, so trying different paper types can also lead to different results.
Tips for using Watercolor Crayons:
- Use paper appropriate for watercolors: Thicker paper is ideal to prevent buckling or tearing when wet.
- Start with a little water: You can always add more.
- Use a palette: Apply some crayon to a palette and use a brush to transfer the watercolor paint for more color control.
- Protect your surface: Use a water-resistant mat or tray to protect your work surface as water is involved.
- Don't over-saturate: Too much water can cause the paper to warp or the colors to become muddy.
- Clean your brushes: Ensure brushes are thoroughly cleaned after each session.
Safety Considerations
- Watercolor crayons are generally non-toxic and safe for children, but always supervise young children during use.
- Remind kids not to put crayons or brushes in their mouths.
Benefits of using Watercolor Crayons
- Ease of use: Watercolor crayons combine the familiarity of crayons with the fun of watercolor paint.
- Versatility: Great for both drawing and painting effects.
- Less mess: Compared to traditional watercolor paints, they are less messy.
- Portable: Perfect for art on the go.
- Encourage creativity: They allow kids to experiment with different techniques and effects.
By using the above guide, you can easily introduce kids to the joys of using watercolor crayons for creative expression.
