- Working with lines
- Experimenting with brushstrokes
- Learning about negative space
- Filling the paper
negative space
YOU WILL NEED
- Manila or white drawing paper—approximately 18 x 20 inches
- Newsprint paper for experimenting with brushstrokes
- Liquid tempera paints including black
- Small containers for tempera paints
- Flat easel brushes—approximately three-eighth inch wide
- Containers of water for rinsing brushes
- Sponges for drying brushes
First Session
Preparation
- Set out newsprint paper and Manila paper.
- Set out black paint and brushes.
- Explain to the children that, in this session, they will be experimenting with brushstrokes to create different types of lines and then choosing at least eight lines to paint on Manila paper. In the next session, they will be adding colors to the negative spaces, or empty areas, created by the lines.
- Demonstrate ways to use the paintbrush to make different types of lines. Using the narrow edge of the brush, paint quickly across the paper with light pressure to produce thin lines. Paint slower with more pressure to make thicker lines and use the wider edge of the brush to create broad lines.
- Discuss and demonstrate a variety of lines that can be made, such as straight, curvy, zigzag, squiggly, dabbed, spiral, horizontal, vertical, broken, etc.
- Have the children use the black paint to explore different brushstrokes on the newsprint paper and then choose eight or more lines to reproduce large enough to fill the Manila paper.
- Set the paintings aside to dry.
Preparation
- Set out the Manila paper with the painted black lines.
- Set out the brushes, colored tempera paints, containers of water, and sponges.
- Explain to the children that in this session they will be adding colors to the negative spaces created by the lines in their paintings. Be sure the children understand that the negative spaces are the spaces in-between the lines and they should avoid painting over the lines.
- Have the children fill their papers by painting all of the negative space.
- The immediacy of liquid tempera paint makes it ideal for young children to use and gives these paintings bold, vibrant colors.
- Expect parts of the black lines to get covered while filling in the negative spaces. Generally this is not a problem; however, if necessary, the black lines can be retouched after the paintings have dried.
- Are the papers completely filled with line and color?
- Discuss the variety of lines in the paintings.
- Talk about the types of brushstrokes used to create the lines.
- My paint brush keeps jumping, so I have to make a broken line.
- I like the swirly lines best.
- I made so many different lines, it’s hard to pick only eight.
- I accidentally covered up part of my favorite line with red paint.
- That’s a wonderful description of how to make a broken line. Be sure to jump gently so the bristles on the brush won’t break.
- The swirly lines will become even more interesting if you also include some straight or simpler lines.
- You need to use at least eight lines, but you can use more if you like.
- You can add some black paint where your line got covered after your painting dries.
