Big Beautiful Flowers

crayola supplies

Washable Watercolors
Watercolor Brushes with Plastic Handle
Giant Marker and Watercolor Pad

household supplies

recycled newspaper
paper towels
container(s) of water

Why

Watercolors and flowers are the perfect combination. Kids' science and art skills blossom as they experiment with an array of flower colors and shapes.

Steps

1. Look at a flower, garden, bouquet, paintings, or photographs of flowers. Notice the colors and shapes of the leaves and petals. Imagine some big, colorful blossoms.
2. Cover your work area with newspaper. Paint a flower, or a whole bouquet of blossoms, with Crayola® Washable Watercolors and Watercolor Brushes. Fill the paper with color.
3. Experiment with how much water you use. To get intense colors use more paint and less water. Mix colors to create new tints and shades. Dry.
4. Plants have many parts that keep flowers alive and growing. If you like, paint a second flower that includes the roots, stem, leaves, and petals. Dry.
5. Which painting do you find most interesting? Why?

When & Where

"After each nature tour, children record their impressions of flower parts. Painting outdoors is often a new experience."
- Ling L., nature center volunteer.

"Watercolors and flowers are universal subjects. My children paint flowers with each season, and send them to grandparents."
- Sara B., mom of 7-year-old twins.

Interesting Info

There are about 200,000 species of flowering plants. If possible, dissect a flower to look at the parts inside. Find a book with overlays and cross sections of flower parts. Roots hold the plant in the ground and also gather water and minerals from the soil. Stems support the plant and contain tubes that carry the food up and down the plant. Leaves catch the sun to make the plant's food. The flower holds, grows, and protects the seeds and fruit that make more plants.

Safety Guidelines

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