An elephant art project to pack away in your trunk
There’s something magical about watercolor paints – especially when you do the wet-on-wet technique.
If you’re unfamiliar, the wet-on-wet technique refers to the wet paint placed on the wet paper. When this happens, the paint begins to spread outward, only where the paper is wet. It’s almost like it’s pulled along a river.
When you use 2-3 colors and this technique, the colors swirl and blend together – much like tie dye. And it’s that exact technique we use in this Tie Dye Spring Elephant art project.
What you'll need:
- 2 pieces of 9×12 white sulphite paper
- Oil pastels or crayons
- Watercolors
- Paintbrush and water
- Scissors
- Glue
Tie Dye Elephant Art Project Instructions
Follow the drawing guide for drawing the baby elephant. Students may add tusks if they wish.
Paint the elephant with a wet paintbrush.
Then use 2-4 analogous colors, or shades of the same color, and touch the wet paper lightly with the paintbrush.
Watch the colors blend and swirl together!
When finished, pat dry with a piece of paper towel – some of the design may show up too.
Now ask kids to create a background with the following question:
“How would your elephant enjoy Spring?”
Encourage kids to get as serious or as silly as they’d like! Elephants can be enjoying the flowers, eating watermelon, or maybe they escaped to Mars because they have allergies! (I’m really feeling like following that elephant this Spring!)
Cut the elephant out, and glue it to the background. You may wish to reoutline the elephant for more contrast.
Want the entire PDF with an elephant drawing guide? You got it!
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We would love it if you’d share!
Don’t forget to tag us at @soulsparklettes on social media if you make this elephant art project with your kids or students – we love to see what you create!
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