Prang Watercolors
Price: $2.39 each (set of 8) / Available HERE
Age: 3+ years
Prang watercolors are washable from skin and clothes, perfect for younger students. I would feel comfortable introducing watercolor into any classroom. It can be a fun exploration for elementary students. Higher grade water colors are also available for a more sophisticated look. These watercolors are easy to use and have a lid that acts as a paint pan. Watercolor works best with watercolor paper. It can be used on regular paper or cardstock, however, watercolor paper is heavy-weight and toothed to hold the moisture better. Non-watercolor paper tends to warp.
Watercolor can be used in a variety of ways. When used with less water, the applied paint has a more vivid, vibrant appearance. When used with more water, the applied paint is more translucent. You can also achieve a washed looked by taking a clean, large brush and pre-wet the paper with clean water. After the paper is moist, you can apply the paint for a washed look with wide coverage. Colors can be easily blended together on paper. Water can always be added to help blend or take away some color. Wet paint can also be dabbed with textured paper towel to create some texture. Water color can also be splashed across the paper.
There are also some magical aspects of water color. Watercolor can show invisible ink (i.e. white crayon). Watercolor can be washed over a waxy, white crayon to show a hidden design. Another technique I have used in the past, not demonstrated below, is splashing rubbing alcohol over the water color painting. It creates a fun, bubble-like texture.
