Dancing With Monet's Water Lilies

crayola supplies

Paint Brushes
Washable Kid's Paint
Giant Marker and Watercolor Pad

household supplies

recycled newspaper
paper towels
container(s) of water

Why

The freedom of expression in Claude Monet's paintings of water lilies is a natural analogy for children's joyful play.

Steps

1. Look at several prints of Monet's water lilies. Notice the free-flowing brush strokes he used to show water in motion. Imagine yourself swimming in that water. How would you feel as the water swirls warmly around you?
2. Cover your work area with recycled newspaper. Choose Crayola® Washable Kid's Paint colors that suggest water and nature. Using large, free strokes with Crayola Brushes, paint water and plant forms on a large sheet of paper.
3. Paint yourself into the environment, too. Paint as if you could feel the water and leaves swirling around you. Try natural colors, and flow with the water.

When & Where

"After tubing on a river, the campers kept talking about swirling water. Monet's water lilies captured the day as the kids painted in his style."
- Jon W., camp counselor, ages 7 to 11.

"My daughter is learning how to swim. She recalled our trip to the lake by painting."
- Katherin D., mother of 6-year-old.

Interesting Info

In the late 1890s, Monet began to concentrate on his water garden at Giverny. He loved light and colors and preferred to have flowers around him all year round. Monet had a lake excavated and then created a Japanese garden with bamboo, wisteria, willows, and the now-famous water lilies.

Safety Guidelines

Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.