Down, down, down, down...

...LEAVES are falling down to the ground!  Actually, they are being painted with gorgeous watercolors in our classroom and are being admired by all who pass through our hallway.  The children are showing such an interest with the use of watercolors and have worked meticulously with the materials to complete a unique piece of leaf art.


The materials set up at a table:  Basket of canvas papers each with a leaf shape; small tray with a bowl, dish with sponge, jar with paintbrush, pencil (for writing name on the back of paper); watercolor tray; art board.  To begin the activity, the child first puts on the apron which is hanging on the back of the chair.



Close-up of the small tray (I realized after taking the picture that I had the bowl on the left side for the lesson) - Next, the child fills up the small bowl with water, wets the sponge, and dampens the canvas paper.



Now, the child paints the leaf, rinsing the brush between colors.  Usually, they have needed to get clean water at least once while painting...

Afterwards, the child brings their painting to our classroom drying rack, rinses the bowl and brush, and readies the apron, leaving all materials ready for the next person.  It has been truly remarkable observing the children demonstrate such care and attention to detail while painting these leaves!

Watercolor Leaf Paintings adorning the walls of our hall.

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