Ingredients
- 1 sheet of 9 by 12 inch watercolor paper, 140-pound or heavier
- 1/2 cup washable tempera paint, divided among 3 to 4 colors
- 1/2 cup baking soda, divided among 3 to 4 cups
- 2 tablespoons room-temperature water, used only as needed
- 3 small mixing cups, 4 fluid ounces each
- 3 craft sticks or teaspoons for stirring
- 3 paintbrushes, assorted sizes from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch wide
- 1 pencil, for light sketching if desired
- 1 sheet of scrap paper, about 8 by 10 inches, for testing each color
- 1 plastic tablecloth or 2 sheets of newspaper, for protecting the work surface
- 1 smock or old adult-size shirt, for protecting clothing
- 1 damp cloth, for wiping spills and hands
- 1 roll of painter’s tape, 3/4 inch wide, optional for holding paper flat
- 1 shallow tray or baking sheet, large enough for the 9 by 12 inch paper
Instructions
- Cover the table completely before you open the paint with a drop cloth or old tablecloth.
- Place the plastic tablecloth or newspaper on the work surface, then set the tray in the center. Put the paper inside the tray and tape two corners if it curls.
- Divide the washable tempera paint among 3 or 4 mixing cups, using about 2 tablespoons of paint in each cup.
- Add about 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the paint, dividing it evenly among the cups.
- Stir each cup with a craft stick or teaspoon for about 30 seconds. The paint should look creamy and slightly grainy.
- Test a small stroke on the scrap paper. Adjust the mixture with water or more baking soda as needed.
- Sketch a few loose shapes with pencil if you want a guide.
- Paint the largest areas first, using a 1/2 inch brush for broad marks.
- Add smaller details with the 1/4 inch brush or the end of a craft stick.
- If a color feels too pale, let the first coat rest for 10 minutes, then add a second thin coat.
- Set the tray in a dry, level place away from direct sun and moving air. Leave the artwork undisturbed for 2 to 4 hours.
- When dry, remove the painter’s tape slowly and lift the paper from the tray. Clean the tools with warm water.
Notes
Keep the work area ventilated and use a table that can get messy. Handle cleanup carefully and dispose of paint and mixtures appropriately.
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
