Summer is officially here and that means one thing – it’s time to break out the paints and have some fun! If you’re looking for a new painting project to keep the kids busy, why not try watercolor on printer paper?
It’s easy, affordable, and perfect for any skill level. Plus, there are endless possibilities for what you can create. It can also unlock your child’s creativity as compared to inkjet or laser printing coloring books from online sources. Check out these 10 watercolor ideas for kids and see what inspires you!
Contents
What Type Of Paint Are Watercolors?
Watercolors are a type of paint that is made with water-soluble pigments. They are typically sold in tubes or pans and can be used to create a variety of effects depending on how they are applied.
One of the great things about watercolors is that they are very forgiving. If you make a mistake, you can simply rinse the paper with water and start again.
Watercolors are a great way to introduce kids to paint. They are easy to use and the cleanup is minimal. Plus, watercolors are very affordable. You can find them at any craft store or even the dollar store.
What Kind Of Art Can You Create With Watercolors?
The sky is the limit when it comes to watercolor art. You can use them to create a variety of different effects. You can also do on differen sizes of paper, may it large canvases or trimmed watercolor paper, it’s up to you. Here are just a few watercolor painting ideas for kids:
- Paint a landscape
- Create a watercolor resist painting
- Make a watercolor collage
- Try marbled watercolors
- Paint abstract shapes and patterns
- Use watercolors to paint a picture from a coloring book
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No matter what you decide to paint, watercolors are a great way to let your creativity flow. This applies to kids a lot since they are still young and their imaginations are richer than those of adults.
Cold Press Watercolor Paper vs Printer Paper
While the watercolour paper is the ideal choice for painting with watercolors, most watercolor papers can be expensive. Cold press watercolor paper is especially pricey. There’s also the option of using a hot press watercolor paper, but it’s not as common.
The difference between cold and hot press watercolor papers is the texture. Cold press watercolor paper has a rougher surface, while hot press watercolor paper is smooth.
If you’re looking for a more economical option, you can use printer paper. It’s not the ideal choice since they work better with inkjet printers, but it’s still a decent alternative. The main thing to keep in mind is that printer paper is not as sturdy as watercolor paper. It’s also not as absorbent, so the paint will sit on top of the paper instead of sinking in.
Printer paper is thinner than watercolor paper, so it will buckle and warp when wet. However, this can actually add to the overall effect of your painting. Of course, thicker paper like oslo paper would also be good choice, but it’s also a bit expensive.
To prevent your paper from buckling, tape it down to a flat surface before you start painting. This will keep it nice and flat while you work.
What Supplies Do You Need To Get Started With Watercolors?
The great thing about watercolors is that you don’t need a lot of supplies to get started. All you need is a set of watercolors, a brush, and some water.
If you are using watercolor pans, you will also need a palette to mix your colors on. If you are using watercolor tubes, you can squeeze it directly onto your palette or paper.
You will also need a cup of water to rinse your brush in between colors. And that’s it! Just these few simple supplies and you’re ready to start painting. Here are some of the things you need to prepare:
Watercolors
You can find watercolor paint at any craft store or online. They come in sets of varying sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. The cheapest set you can buy should be around $7.
So, there’s no need to spend a lot, especially if you’re introducing this activity to your kids. What’s important is that they have fun in the process of learning.
Paper
The type of paper you use is important when painting with watercolors. As we mentioned earlier, textured cold press paper or hot press paper are the ideal choices. However, if you’re introducing watercolor painting to your kids, printer paper is a great alternative.
Printer paper is also cheap and you can buy it in bulk. Plus, it’s easy to find, and most likely, you already have some at home.
Paintbrush
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The type of paintbrush you use will also affect your painting. Watercolor brushes come in various shapes and sizes. The most common type is the round brush, but there are also flat brushes and fan brushes.
The size of the brush depends on the detail you want to achieve in your painting. For example, if you want to do a large area, you would use a larger brush. If you want to to make something with a lot of detail, you would use a smaller brush.
Cup of Water
You will need a cup of water to rinse your brush in between colors. This will help prevent the colors from getting muddy.
Paper Towel
A paper towel is always handy to have around when painting with watercolors. You can use it to dry your brush or to blot up any excess water from your painting.
Palette or Plate
If you are using watercolor pans, you will need a palette to mix your colors on. If you are using watercolor tubes, you can squeeze it directly onto your palette or paper.
10 Watercolor Ideas For Your Kids
Watercolor is a fun way of introducing art to your children. Here are ten watercolors on printer paper ideas for kids that they will surely enjoy:
1. Rainbow spirals
Start by painting a spiral with one color of watercolor. Then, add another color of watercolor to the center of the spiral and watch it spread out. Continue adding colors until the entire spiral is filled in.
2. Abstract watercolor circles
Use a pencil to draw a series of small circles on your paper. Then, paint over the pencil marks with watercolor. The colors will blend together to create an abstract design.
3. Polka dot watercolors
This one is super simple! Just create watercolor dots in any color or pattern you like.
4. Two-toned Watercolors
Paint half of your paper with one color of watercolor. Then, paint the other half with a different color. You can also add a third color in the middle for a fun ombré effect.
5. Watercolor Resist
This watercolor technique is really fun for kids! First, use a wax crayon to draw a design on your paper. Then, paint over the design with watercolor. The crayon will resist the paint and your design will be revealed.
6. Sunburst Watercolors
Paint a small circle in the center of your paper. Then, add watercolor to the outside of the circle and watch it spread out in a sunburst pattern.
7. Watercolor Flowers
Use watercolor to paint a simple flower design. Then, use a pencil to draw stems and leaves. 8. Rainbow stripes – Paint watercolor stripes in any order you like. Then, use a paintbrush to drag the colors together and blend them into a gradient.
8. Rainbow Watercolors
This one is similar to the rainbow stripes, but instead of blending the colors together, you’ll paint them in separate sections.
9. Watercolor Resist Tree
Use a pencil to draw a tree trunk and branches on your paper. Then, paint over the design with watercolor. The pencil lines will resist the paint and your tree will be revealed.
10. Galaxy Watercolors
This one is really fun and easy! Just paint watercolor dots in any color or pattern you like. Then, use a black Sharpie to draw stars and planets. Let your galaxy watercolors dry completely before adding the Sharpie details.
Want To Immerse Your Kids Into Art? Try Watercolor Paintings on Printer Papers Today!
Ready to try out this new way of creating art with your kids? Watercolor paintings on printer papers are a great way to get started. They’re easy and fun, and the results can be pretty amazing. You can scan your kid’s artworks and even print them using your inkjet printer and photo paper as keepsake.
What are you waiting for? Give it a try today! Be sure to share your creations with us on social media – we can’t wait to see them!
