Watercolor Resist Art

Step 1. Gather your supplies.

Step 2.

Use your oil pastels to draw a design. We created an underwater scene. Tip: make sure to color very dark and use bright colors. It’s ok to also use white as we will be painting over the background later.

Step 3.

Dip your paintbrush in water and touch your watercolor palette to wet the paint. Add paint to the background of your picture, painting right over the oil pastel drawing. The oil pastel acts as a resist so the watercolor will not stick on that material.

Step 4.

Continue to add paint to your background, mixing different shades of blues, yellows, and greens to make up the ocean water.

Step 5.

When you are finished you will see all the shapes you drew in oil pastels, including any drawn in white!

Further Discussion:

Use this technique as a fun magic trick! Draw a design or phrase in white oil pastel on white paper, then ask your child to use their watercolor paint to draw over the design. Watch as the picture or message magically appears!