School-aged kids will create monochrome neurographic art in this fun project. Our basic techniques can easily be used at home or in the classroom.
Monochrome and Neurographic Art
This project combines both a monochrome color scheme with a relaxing neurographic art drawing technique.
Monochrome – simply means that we are using colors from the same tone, shade, or value scale.
Neurographic Art is a technique, which comprises drawing freeform lines or ‘neuro lines.’ These are meant to enable the connection between the conscious and unconscious, gaining access to the inner self by using a specific algorithm or method.
Related: Review the value scale with this free printable.
Supplies Needed to Make this Monochrome Neurographic Art Project
- Dark Coffee – cooled to room temperature
- Cardstock – or other heavy body paper
- Permanent Markers
- Various tones of brown colored pencils or crayons
- Paper Towels
- Well Protected Surface
Directions to Make Monochrome Neurographic Art
Step 1
Begin by pouring some room temperature dark coffee into the center of the cardstock. If desired, kids can use their hands to lightly pat the coffee spill to create more splatter.
Step 2
Next, use paper towels to remove excess coffee from cardstock.
To create a darker spill: Lightly touch the top of any coffee puddles with the edge of a folded paper towel. This will soak up excess liquid without removing too much of the coffee.
To create lighter spill designs: Place paper towels over the entire spill and soak up any remaining coffee on the surface of the paper.
Set paper aside to dry.
Step 3
When the coffee spill is dry, use a permanent marker to trace around the edges of the spill.
Step 4
Using the permanent marker, freely draw wavy lines in various directions throughout the dried coffee spill.
Step 5
Then, use the permanent maker to round areas in the drawing where the lines meet and create cross points, or other hard joints.
Step 6
Lastly, color sections of the drawing with various tones or values of brown. Aim to keep from using the same colors in sections that touch one another. Kids can also leave some areas uncolored to allow the natural coffee color to show.
Finished Monochrome Neurographic Art Project
I love how unique these drawings are! Since these projects are made on paper, they can easily be framed, clipped, or displayed in your preferred style.
Our Experience Making this Monochrome Neurographic Art Project
I was recently gifted a set of Crayola’s Colors of the World colored pencils. I thought this would be a fun way to try the various colors without concerns of details or perfectionism. This project was an opportunity to relax and let go of expectations while creating art. I can’t wait to try this method using other color schemes and supplies!
Prep Time
5 minutes
Active Time
25 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Difficulty
easy
Estimated Cost
$1
Materials
- Dark Coffee – cooled to room temperature
- Cardstock – or other heavy body paper
Tools
- Permanent Markers
- Various tones of brown colored pencils or crayons
- Paper Towels
- Well Protected Surface
Instructions
- Pour room temperature dark coffee into the center of the cardstock. If desired, kids can use their hands to lightly pat the coffee spill to create more splatter.
- Use paper towels to remove excess coffee from cardstock.
To create a darker spill: Lightly touch the top of any coffee puddles with the edge of a folded paper towel. This will soak up excess liquid without removing too much of the coffee.
To create lighter spill designs: Place paper towels over the entire spill and soak up any remaining coffee on the surface of the paper.
Set paper aside to dry.
- When the coffee spill is dry, use a permanent marker to trace around the edges of the spill.
- Use a permanent marker to freely draw wavy lines in various directions throughout the dried coffee spill.
- Use the permanent maker to round areas in the drawing where the lines meet and create cross points, or other hard joints.
- Color sections of the drawing with various tones or values of brown. Aim to keep from using the same colors in sections that touch one another. Kids can also leave some areas uncolored to allow the natural coffee color to show.
Notes
Monochrome Neurographic Art Variations
- Use other mediums and colors for the spill, such as watercolor or dyes.
- Complete project using various color theory combinations such as primary and secondary, analogous, or complimentary colors.
- Adjust color scheme to match a seasonal or holiday theme.
Monochrome Neurographic Art Variations
- Use other mediums and colors for the spill, such as watercolor or dyes.
- Complete project using various color theory combinations such as primary and secondary, analogous, or complimentary colors.
- Adjust color scheme to match a seasonal or holiday theme.
Other Fun Colorful Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog
Did your kids enjoy creating this monochrome neurographic art? What was their favorite part of the process?
