We start with quality watercolor paper. It is so worth it, to get the good quality stuff, because it really holds up for this technique. We soak the paper in a large tray of water for 5-10 minutes. Then, take the paper out of the water and use a sponge to brush off the excess water. We place the paper on our painting boards and get ready to paint. We set out the watercolors we are using in little jars. We use Colorations Liquid Watercolors right now, but would love to try the really high quality Stockmar watercolors someday. We also set out a big jar of water for washing our brushes off and a damp sponge for dabbing the excess water off of our brushes.
While we are getting our supplies ready, we sing:
"A lovely rainbow, see it span.
So brightly shining o're the land.
You are so red, gold, green, and blue.
I want to ride it now with you."
I usually model using the watercolors on my paper while telling a color story. For Painting Days in August, I told a story of a little child and a giant yellow sunflower in the field. We used only yellow paint for this month.
It is amazing how pretty using only one color can be. We love to see all of the different shades that one color can make.
Then when we switched to two colors, Audrey and Ethan are filled with wonder as they watch orange appear on the paper and in their brush-washing jars.
"As the October sun shined over them (the pumpkins)."
What an imagination, what rich language she is using! I am constantly in awe of these children of mine.