Students will discover the technique of wax resist art. They will learn about how watercolor paint and wax are incompatible and once wax is on their paper, it will keep that area of the paper dry! Quite magical, right!? We will make their invisible drawings appear right before their eyes. The wax resist art technique gives teachers an opportunity to discuss both art and science.
Each student will need one white wax crayon, watercolor paint and watercolor paper. Make sure to have water available for them to rinse their brushes off in. Start by demonstrating how the technique works. Apply pressure when drawing with the white crayon on the paper
Once their drawings are complete they can begin to watercolor their wax art! Make this a Science lesson by asking them questions referring to the scientific method. For example, what do you think will happen when we add the water to our pictures? Make a list of the student’s predictions!
Let’s paint! Instruct students to paint their artwork using watercolor paint. Record their observations as they discover how the wax repels the water. Prompt them with questions like, does the crayon get wet? What does the crayon look like when covered with paint?
Try experimenting with different mediums. Have students use different types of paper and/or colored pencils instead of crayon. They will love that this lesson combines art with science! The wax resist art activity is appropriate for all ages levels.