School-aged kids will practice watercolor values in this egg-themed project. This basic technique can easily be used at home or in the classroom.
ART PROJECT EMPHASIZING VALUE
For this project, we are introducing students to both the value scale and wax resist with a simple watercolor painting. Kids will learn how art supplies can vary in use and final appearance.
WHAT IS VALUE?
The value of art refers to the lightness or darkness of a color.
– MASTERCLASS –
By knowing the value scale of a color, artists are able to use fewer supplies, while adding detail, depth, and variety to their work.
Related: Learn more about the Value Scale with a free printable worksheet.
Supplies Needed to Make An Eggs and Watercolor Values Art Project
- Optional: Egg Outlines – printed on cardstock (Download Below)
- Watercolor Paper
- Watercolor Paints
- Black Crayon
- Pencil
- Paintbrushes
- Water
- Paper Towels
Download the Egg Printable Here
Print these egg outlines onto cardstock for kids to cut and trace as a stencil for their design. Using this printable allows kids more time to focus on creating unique egg decorations and learning about watercolor values!
Directions to Make Eggs and Watercolor Values
Step 1
First, use a pencil to lightly trace or draw egg shapes onto watercolor paper.
Step 2
Next, lightly add grass sketches around the egg outlines.
Step 3
Then, firmly trace sketch using a black crayon.
Note: Kids must apply firm pressure to the crayon when tracing for the wax resist technique to be effective.
Step 4
Next, add a small amount of pigment to a puddle of clear water. This will create a lighter value of the watercolor. Paint a few portions of one egg.
Step 5
Continue to add pigment to your paint puddle to create darker values. Complete painting the egg design using various values of that one color. Then, choose different colors, and values, to complete the remaining eggs.
Step 6
Finally, paint the sky and grass portions of the picture.
Finished Eggs and Watercolor Values Art Project
I love the fun colors and designs of these painted eggs! Since these projects are made on paper, they are easily framed, clipped, or displayed in your preferred style with your holiday decorations.
Our Experience Making this Eggs and Watercolor Values Art Project
It is always fun to paint using a wax resist technique with watercolors. This painting project is a wonderful introduction to color values without following along with a basic worksheet. Kids get the chance to creatively explore watercolor mediums while creating wall worthy art projects.
Prep Time
5 minutes
Active Time
15 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Cost
$1
Materials
- Optional: Egg Outlines – printed on cardstock
- Watercolor Paper
Tools
- Watercolor Paints
- Black Crayon
- Pencil
- Paintbrushes
- Water
- Paper Towels
Instructions
- Use a pencil to lightly trace or draw egg shapes onto watercolor paper.
- Lightly add grass sketches around the egg outlines.
- Firmly trace sketch using a black crayon.
Note: Kids must apply firm pressure to the crayon when tracing for the wax resist technique to be effective. - Add a small amount of pigment to a puddle of clear water. This will create a lighter value of the watercolor. Paint a few portions of one egg.
- Continue to add pigment to your paint puddle to create darker values. Complete painting the egg design using various values of that one color. Then, choose different colors, and values, to complete the remaining eggs.
- Paint the sky and grass portions of the picture.
Notes
Eggs and Values Art Variations
- Complete project using other mediums to learn about their color values.
- Limit each egg to one value, while alternating colors for the design instead of values.
- Adapt project to fit other holiday or seasonal symbols.
Eggs and Values Art Variations
- Complete project using other mediums to learn about their color values.
- Limit each egg to one value, while alternating colors for the design instead of values.
- Adapt project to fit other holiday or seasonal symbols.
Other Fun Easter Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog
Did your kids enjoy exploring watercolor values? What designs did they draw on their eggs?