Spooky Watercolor Washes Art Project for Kids

Kids practice watercolor washes and wax resist in this quick activity. This project is easy to complete at home or in the classroom. 

Wax Resist and Watercolor Washes

Wax Resist

By first using crayons, kids are able to use a watercolor technique known as wax resist. If done correctly, the wax from the crayons will repel the watercolor paint, leaving drawings exposed after the watercolor washes.

Watercolor Washes

For this activity, we will be using a gradient watercolor wash. A gradient watercolor wash simply means we are shifting from light to dark (or dark to light) while painting. With this activity, kids are further developing their skills in painting a smooth transition with gradient washes.

Related: Explore other watercolor techniques with this fun art project. 

Supplies Needed to Make this Ghostly Wax Resist Art Project

• Mixed Media or Watercolor Paper 
• Crayons 
• Watercolor Paint
• Paintbrush – a larger size
• Paper Towels
• Cardboard – or other firm, moveable surface
• Washi Tape
• Water

Directions to Make spooky watercolor washes Art

Step 1

Evenly tape edges of paper onto cardboard using washi tape. Consider sticking tape to clothing prior to using it on the paper. This will lessen the stickiness and help prevent it from tearing the finished project in the end.

Step 2

Using a pencil, lightly sketch a design onto the paper.

Step 3

Trace over drawing using a permanent marker and then erase any unwanted pencil lines.

Step 4

Using crayons, and firm pressure, kids color their drawings. Kids need to apply firm pressure (without breaking crayons) and completely color their designs. Aim to get an even wax coverage to ensure the wax resist process will work. 

Step 5

Prop cardboard so the top is slightly higher than the bottom. This will assist kids in keeping a more smooth watercolor wash. Propping the painting can be done by simply placing something under the cardboard. Kids can also sit slightly further from the table and lean the cardboard between the table and their lap. 

Step 6

Kids create a large puddle of water on their watercolor palette to use for their gradient wash. For this watercolor wash, we don’t want to add more water to the puddle later as it will alter the color. Starting with a larger puddle of water will ensure there is enough to complete the entire painting.

Taking the clean water, kids paint a line across the top of the paper. 

Step 7

Kids pick up a very small amount of watercolor pigment and add it to their puddle to begin adding the color. Paint another line across the painting, touching the line previously painted. Since both lines of paint should be wet, lines will gradually mix into one another. 

Kids continue adding a small amount of pigment to their watercolor puddle and painting a line across the paper. The wash should gradually darken as kids continue down the page. Repeat this process until the entire page is covered, painting over the wax drawings as they reach them.

Step 8

Carefully use a paper towel to absorb any excess watercolor paint from the paper. Tip: Barely touch paper towel to only the top of the paint puddle. Refrain from actually touching the paper and altering the wash.

Finished Spooky Watercolor Washes Art Project

I love how these fun watercolor washes turned out! Since these projects are made on paper, they are easily framed, clipped, or displayed in your preferred style. 

Our Experience Making this Spooky Watercolor washes Art Project

I think this is a fun and easy way to teach kids about gradient watercolor washes. I remember practicing washes when I was younger and it was a very dull and boring process of repeating washes over and over on a grid. We’ve made this watercolor exercise more enjoyable by adding the surprise of wax resist and turning practice into a wall-worthy work of art.

Spooky Watercolor Washes Art Variations

• Expand drawings to create an entire spooky wax resist scene. 
• Adjust theme to fit any holiday or season (think snowflakes for winter). 

Other Fun spooky Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog

Were your kids surprised by the wax resist process? Did your kids enjoy learning about gradient watercolor washes using this project?