Art Lessons from Homeschool Twins

Last week we talked about how to color paintings by using watercolors. But have you wondered what other materials you could use other materials to paint with? Of course, it takes a little practice but there are simple ways to making your paintings look fabulous with little stress.

So, let’s start with other materials you can paint with. First of all there is a sea sponge, available at any craft store.  These sponges are ideal for quick paintings that will look wonderful. The first step is not to sketch anything, but rather to dip the sponge in water and squeeze it out. Then take the sponge and put it into fairly thick paint. You may want to dip it in the water again, but it is just preference. The next part is simple; dab the sponge on the page. Don’t worry too much about what shapes you are making because you are just going to look at the shape, see what it reminds you of, and fill in the rest of the picture with a paintbrush and other color. I have done this with trees, potted plants, and sidewalk grass but feel free to get creative. 

Another cool material you can try to use is a comb, which is ideal for grass, and vertical lines in quick paintings. The idea is really simple; all you have to do is create a wash and follow up with the comb. To create a wash, first wet the paper down well (either under the faucet, with a sponge, or with your paint brush), then come in with a paint brush full of color. Tada! A watercolor wash! For the comb, just dip the comb in the paint and put it over your wash once it is dry. It is a simple and fun way to create grass.