7 More Watercolor Projects for the Elementary Artist

This follow-up article to "7 Watercolor Projects for the Elementary Artist" provides links to 7 additional projects that give the beginning artist an opportunity to develop basic watercolor painting skills. The free lesson plans that follow present characters and themes that will be of interest to the elementary art student (Grades 2-6), while focusing on developing the skills they will need to produce wonderful works of art.

Here's a list of watercolor supplies you'll need from you local art/craft store:

Watercolor Paint Box
Watercolor paints should have a rich and satisfying color. The five-and-dime store variety can keep your expenses down, through will not provide for the best experience. A Reeves or Prang student watercolor set is recommended.

Watercolor Paper
Watercolor paper is a special paper that is thick enough to get soaked and still stay flat. This paper comes in different weights. A 140lb. cold press textured paper will provide the best results.

Watercolor Brush
A basic watercolor paint set should include a paint brush. If it doesn't, you can buy a medium-sized (#5) round brush to get started. If you keep your paintings small, that's all you'll need.

Watercolor Pallet
You can buy a watercolor pallet if you want to. However, a paper plate covered with plastic wrap will work just fine.

Pencils
There are many drawing pencils to choose from at your local art/craft store. The purpose of these special pencils is to provide a consistent line. However, until your child can draw a relatively attractive line their #2 school pencil will work just fine.

3 Very Easy Watercolor Lessons
Chameleon Watercolor Painting
Read Eric Carle's "Mixed-Up Chameleon" and then let your kids create a chameleon of their own. Reading the book first will give your child the freedom to decorate their chameleon in any way they like. You will need to provide your kids with a set of crayons to complete this project.

Happy Kindergartener
This adorable character is simple to draw and fun to paint. The free printable lesson comes with a drawing that can be printed onto your watercolor paper if your young artist would like to get right to painting.

Tinted Christmas Tree
This simple winter scene is easy to paint, and a sure fire winner with even the least artistically inclined kids. There is almost no drawing necessary, as you will provide your kids with cut-out shapes which they will trace with crayon. This watercolor painting provides kids with the opportunity to create a simple watercolor wash. This project will require a white crayon to create the outlines of the trees.

4 Easy Watercolor Lessons
Whimsical Flight
"Whimsical Flight" is a playful image of a young girl grasping her big pink balloon as she is taken on a joyful ride over the countryside. This watercolor painting provides kids with the opportunity to create a simple wet-on-wet watercolor wash. This project may require a slightly smaller brush for the details.

Watercolor Still Life
This watercolor project will help kids to see and create subtle changes in color value. More experienced students may see the contrasting colors immediately. Younger students may need some help recognizing the differences between the light and dark sections of the painting. This project will require a paint mixing tray or metal lined muffin cups, and a black crayon.

Monkey Loves Banana
This funny watercolor project provides children with an opportunity to practice filling spaces with quick and spontaneous brush strokes. The challenge with this project, more than others, is that it requires careful planning in applying the paint to avoid a streaky, overworked look.

Degas Ballerina
This watercolor project provides kids with a chance to paint a Degas masterpiece! This lesson allows kids to experiment with dry brush technique.

Let's Paint!