We’ve become huge fans of resist art and are gradually working our way through the mediums. The black oil pastel is my personal favourite and the thick, bold, slightly smudged black lines used within this black line exploration piece creates an incredible faux stain glass window affect.
It’s a fun and easy way for kids to play with and explore geometrical shapes, squiggles or/and simple patterns, and it’s entirely process led!
Why Resist Art?
Oil and water do not mix, and resist techniques play on this aversion with fabulous results.
Traditionally, a resist material is used to retain the white and as your kids wash over the lines with their watercolours, they’ll see the paint repelled. My own children love this process and in within modern art, the technique is also used to create interesting textures.
Black Line Exploration Art
*This post contains affiliates*
Supplies:
Watercolour Paints
Watercolour Paper
Black Oil Pastel Or Crayon
Ruler
The objective of this activity is for kids to simply play with the materials and see what happens.
They can explore geometrical shapes and symmetry to create an unusual abstract piece of art or perhaps a challenge could be set in the form of: how many triangles can you fit into a square/rectangle?
This could be a fun way for kids to consider angles and space within a natural, no pressure context.
Alternatively, they can create squiggles, shapes, flowers, animals or just simply go with the flow and allow their creativity to flow!
To get started, all you need is some watercolour paper, a black oil pastel and watercolour paint.
Then, take a BIG step back and see what your kids do…
Remember there’s no right or wrong with process art and usually, kids are at their most creative when given the freedom to explore.
For more arty inspiration, take a look at Yarn Art Process Art, Hot Glue Resist Heart and our super popular Oil Pastel Resist Spiders Web!
Pin for later!
