School-aged kids will learn how to blend watercolors using a layering technique in this fun project. This basic technique can easily be used at home or in the classroom.
Watercolor Transparency
Watercolor paints are transparent, which means two (or more) colors will blend to create a new color when layered. For example, rather than painting from a pre-made green pigment, artists can create a green color by first painting blue, and then covering that with a yellow. This painting technique tends to create richer colors instead of simply using one flat layer of pigment.
Related: Explore more fun Watercolor Techniques with our free printable.
Supplies Needed for This Layering Watercolors Art Project
- Layering Watercolors Page – Printed on Cardstock (Download Below)
- Watercolor Paper
- Watercolor Paints – Variation of Primary Colors (Red, Blue and Yellow; Magenta, Cyan, and Yellow; etc.)
- Pencil
- Fine Tip Permanent Marker
- Paint Brushes
- Water
- Paper Towels
Optional:
- Washi Tape – or Painter’s Tape
- Cardboard or Other Flat Surface
Download the Layering Watercolors Printable Here
This free printable download will give kids a chance to explore color theory. Kids will be able to see how various colors interact with one another prior to layering the paints on their final project.
Directions to Make Layering Watercolors Art Project
Step 1
First, review color theory by completing the printable using only 3 colors. Label each section with color name and paint.
Note: Painting wet watercolor paints next to one another will create a bleeding effect that could cross over the diagram lines. If this effect is not desired, allow each color to dry before moving to the next one. You can speed up the drying process by lightly using a hair dryer or heat gun.
Step 2
Optional: Tape watercolor paper to cardboard or other flat surface. This step will create a border for your painting and can help prevent saturated paper from bowing.
Step 3
Then, use a pencil to sketch a design onto the watercolor paper.
If desired, trace drawing with fine tip permanent marker and erase unwanted pencil lines.
Step 4
Take a moment to look over your sketch and determine what paint combinations you want to use. Label these color combinations on your Layering Watercolors page.
Step 5
Begin by painting the blue portions of your design. Be careful to look for elements of the designs that include blue in their color mixture such as green, purple, and brown.
Tip: Use a gradient effect when applying colors to create smoother shadows and color combinations.
Step 6
When blue paint is dry, paint the red portions of your design. Again, be careful to look for elements of the designs that include red in their color mixture such as purple, orange, and brown.
Step 7
Next, when the red paint is dried, paint the yellow portions of your design. Again, be careful to look for elements of the designs that include yellow in their color mixture such as green, orange, and brown.
Step 8
If needed, add more layers to deepen colors and shadows.
Finished Layering Watercolors Art Project
I love the bright spring colors we achieved by painting in layers! Since these projects are made on paper, they can easily be framed, clipped, or displayed in your preferred style.
Our Experience Making this Layered Watercolors Art Project
This project was a fun review on color theory. It challenged us to use less colors while taking a few extra steps in the painting process. But, the end result was worth the challenge, I love the colors and designs we created.
We found the watercolors dried quickly enough for us to add layers immediately after one another. If you find your paper is too saturated to move along to the next step, you can carefully speed up the drying process with a hair dryer or heat gun.
Prep Time
5 minutes
Active Time
25 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Cost
$1
Materials
- Layering Watercolors Page – Printed on Cardstock
- Watercolor Paper
Tools
- Watercolor Paints – Variation of Primary Colors (Red, Blue and Yellow; Magenta, Cyan, and Yellow; etc.)
- Pencil
- Fine Tip Permanent Marker
- Paint Brushes
- Water
- Paper Towels
- Optional: Washi Tape – or Painter’s Tape, Cardboard or Other Flat Surface
Instructions
- Complete the Layering Watercolors printable using only 3 colors. Label each section with color name and paint. Note: Painting wet watercolor paints next to one another will create a bleeding effect that could cross over the diagram lines. If this effect is not desired, allow each color to dry before moving to the next one. You can speed up the drying process by lightly using a hair dryer or heat gun.
- Optional: Tape watercolor paper to cardboard or other flat surface.
- Use a pencil to sketch a design onto the watercolor paper. If desired, trace drawing with fine tip permanent marker and erase unwanted pencil lines.
- Look over your sketch and determine what paint combinations you want to use. Label these color combinations on your Layering Watercolors page.
- Paint the blue portions of your design. Look for elements of the designs that include blue in their color mixture such as green, purple, and brown. Tip: Use a gradient effect when applying colors to create smoother shadows and color combinations.
- When blue paint is dry, paint the red portions of your design. Again, be careful to look for elements of the designs that include red in their color mixture such as purple, orange, and brown.
- Once red paint is dried, paint the yellow portions of your design. Again, be careful to look for elements of the designs that include yellow in their color mixture such as green, orange, and brown.
- If needed, add more layers to deepen colors and shadows.
Notes
Layering Watercolors Art Variations
- Complete project using another medium such as markers or colored pencils.
- See how different colors blend by changing the 3 basic colors you begin with.
- Alter theme to fit any holiday or season.
Layering Watercolors Art Variations
- Complete project using another medium such as markers or colored pencils.
- See how different colors blend by changing the 3 basic colors you begin with.
- Alter theme to fit any holiday or season.
Other Fun Watercolor Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog
Did your kids enjoy blending watercolors by layering paints? What designs did they paint?
