Painting Lessons for Kids
Painting is where color theory gets messy in the best way. These watercolor, tempera and mixed media lessons teach mixing, layering and brush control. Start with a featured lesson, then browse free posts and video tutorials.
Featured Ms Artastic lessons
Ready-to-teach lessons from my shop. Each card shows the grade range listed for that lesson.
Spiderweb Watercolor Art LessonGrades 3 to 6Lesson plan, step-by-step drawings, a 22-slide demo and a rubric.See the lesson
Ocean Birds Art Lesson (Free)Grades 2 to 8Free: an ocean-inspired piece using oil pastel, glue and watercolor.See the lesson
Spring Frog Art LessonGrades K to 3See the lesson
Watercolor Polar Bear Art LessonGrades 6 to 9See the lesson
Pointillism Spring TulipsGrades 2 to 5See the lesson
Wayne Thiebaud Cake PaintingGrades 5 to 8See the lesson
Watercolor Painting Art LessonGrades 4 to 7See the lesson
Cherry Blossom Bird Painting LessonGrades 3 to 6See the lessonFree blog lessons and ideas
3 of the BEST Watercolor Painting Art Lesson Activities & FREE Printable Template to Start With in Your Art ClassroomRead the post
Warm Color Autumn Leaf Art Project for Kids with Printable Art LessonRead the post
Autumn Art Lesson for Kids, Fall Pumpkin Art Project TutorialRead the post
Teaching Color Theory to Kids, 6 Creative Color Wheel Art Projects for the Classroom and HomeschoolRead the post
Teaching Color Theory in ArtRead the post
Cool Colors Art Lesson, Fish ArtworkRead the postFree tools
Videos to watch together
Watercolor Painting Techniques for Beginners and FREE Printable Watercolor Technique TemplateWatch on YouTube
3 of the BEST Watercolor Painting Art Lesson Activities & FREE Printable Template for Your ClassroomWatch on YouTube
3 of the BEST Watercolor Painting Art Activities for your Kids & Family (Art at Home Ideas!)Watch on YouTube
The BEST Autumn Pumpkin Painting Tutorial!Watch on YouTubeSupplies and picture books
Supplies that help
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Questions teachers and parents ask
What is the difference between watercolor and tempera?
Watercolor is transparent and is built up in thin layers with water. Tempera is opaque and thicker, so it covers the paper with bold, flat color.
What is a watercolor resist?
Kids draw with crayon or oil pastel first, then paint watercolor over the top. The waxy lines resist the paint and stay bright.
How do I keep painting manageable with a group?
Teach the cleanup routine first, use small water containers, and set out only the colors you need for that lesson.
What paper works best for watercolor?
Heavier paper made for watercolor holds water without tearing or curling as much as regular drawing paper.
Paint-along video lessons
Press play and paint along with me. Each video lesson comes with a printable lesson plan and a QR code, so it is ready for the classroom or the kitchen table.
The Artastic Collective art curriculum
Full art lessons, videos and units for the whole year, ready when you are. Monthly, yearly and VIP plans.
More art lessons to explore
Skills
Elements of Art
