If you follow my instagram, you know by now that I teach an art class on Saturday mornings. I’ve always loved kids, so when I had the opportunity of teaching them a subject I’m passionate about, I was thrilled. I think it may be fun to post some of the art projects we do, every now and then, so this is my first. This last week, our art lesson was centered around Claude Monet. After giving the kiddos a brief intro on Monet and impressionism, I introduced some of Monet’s most famous paintings, his Water Lilies’ series. And thus we began our art project.

For this lesson we used:

• A Large paper (Make sure it is suitable for wet paint or watercolors)
• Acrylic Paints (blue, purple, and green, and then whatever colors you like for the flowers)
• Green Tissue Paper
• Water and container
• Paint Brushes
• Elmer’s Glue (Any other brand would work fine)

First, I used the blue, purple and green acrylic paints to make a wash. This helped us achieve nice translucent paint layers for the water. After they were done painting the water on the entire page (I emphasize not seeing any white on the paper), we start cutting our lily pads from the green tissue. These can be different sizes. Just cut a nice oval shape and don’t forget the slit.

Next, I mix a little water and glue together, to make the paste for the lily pads (as you can see in the video below).

After, I have them carefully place them on the painted paper, while using the water + glue mix to brush them on. They may need help on this. Try to get the lily pads as flat as you can.

After the lily pads have dried, I gave them the option of painting on some flowers on top of the lily pads. This was achieved by simply adding small layered strokes, of different the acrylic paint preferably bright contrasting colors and not green.

And there was a quick mini Monet art lesson. Hope you enjoy!