Watercolor Resist Art
Draw with white crayon then paint over it — the hidden drawing appears like magic! Easy art-science combo.
What You'll Need
- 1White crayon or oil pastel
- 2Watercolor paints
- 3Paper
- 4Paintbrush
What You'll Need
White crayon or white oil pastel
Watercolor paints
White paper
A paintbrush
How to Do It
Draw a picture with the white crayon on white paper (you can barely see it!).
Paint over the entire page with watercolors.
Watch the hidden drawing appear!
The wax resists the water — that's the science.
Ideas
Write secret messages.
Draw snowflakes, then paint a blue sky.
Draw stars, then paint a dark night sky.
Write their name for them to reveal.
Tips
Press hard with the crayon for best results.
Use liquid watercolors for the most vivid reveal.
This feels like actual magic to kids.
Age Adaptation Tips
Preschoolers can follow multi-step instructions. Ask open-ended questions and encourage them to predict what will happen next.
School-age kids can take more ownership. Let them lead the activity, experiment with variations, and explain what they learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 20 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: white crayon or oil pastel, watercolor paints, paper, paintbrush.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 3-5 years, 5-8 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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