School-aged kids will learn how to paint a watercolor lily pad scene in this fun project. Our simple techniques can easily be used at home or in the classroom.
Combining Watercolor techniques
This project combines some fun watercolor techniques. To begin the background, we use a watercolor technique of blending wet paints. Then, we cover the wet paint with plastic wrap. As the paint dries, the plastic wrap wrinkles create an interesting effect. Finally, we attach another watercolor painting to create a dimensional finished project.
Related: Learn more watercolor techniques using our free printable worksheet.
Supplies Needed to Make This Watercolor Lily Pad Art Project
- Watercolor Paper – 2 sheets
- Watercolor Paints
- Paintbrushes
- Plastic Wrap
- Pencil
- White Gel Pen, Correction Pen, or Paint Pen
- Washi Tape – or Painter’s Tape
- Cardboard or other Flat Surface
- Double-Sided Foam Tape
- Scissors
- Water
- Paper Towels
Directions to Make This Watercolor Lily Pad Painting
Step 1
First, use washi tape to create a border around the watercolor paper, attaching it to a flat surface.
Step 2
Note: Steps 2-4 must be completed quickly for the watercolor techniques to work.
To begin the background, quickly use clean water to paint the entire surface of the watercolor paper. Tip: Use a large paintbrush or spray bottle to speed up the process.
Step 3
While the paper is still wet, fully cover page with blue and green watercolor paint. If done correctly, colors should bleed into one another. Again, work quickly because the paint needs to still be wet in the next step.
Step 4
While the paint is still wet, press plastic wrap over the entire page. Do not smooth out the wrinkles. Leave the plastic wrap on the paper and set aside until the paint is fully dried.
Step 5
Sketch lily pad design on the second piece of watercolor paper.
Step 6
Next, use watercolors to paint lily pad sketch.
Step 7
Then, use a white gel pen to add small highlights to your dry lily pad painting.
Step 8
Next, use scissors to cut out lily pad painting.
Step 9
When background page is dry, remove plastic wrap and draw wavy lines over page with gel pen. Lines should cross over one another. Then, use the pen to round corners where lines cross. This will create a smoother water look.
Step 10
Finally, attach lily pad to water background using double sided foam tape.
Finished Watercolor Lily Pad Art Project
I love how these paintings turned out! Since these projects are made on paper, they can easily be framed, clipped, or displayed in your preferred style.
Our Experience Making this Watercolor Lily Pad Art Project
We thought this was a fun and cute project. I love the layered look that the foam tape adds to the paintings. I also enjoy artwork that allows us to create and explore different techniques. This project is great for kids’ imaginations because they are free to create their own scene with any number of lily pads and additional flowers or creatures.
Prep Time
5 minutes
Active Time
30 minutes
Additional Time
2 hours
Total Time
2 hours 35 minutes
Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Cost
$1
Materials
- Watercolor Paper – 2 sheets
- Plastic Wrap
- Washi Tape – or Painter’s Tape
- Double-Sided Foam Tape
Tools
- Watercolor Paints
- Paintbrushes
- Pencil
- White Gel Pen, Correction Pen, or Paint Pen
- Cardboard or other Flat Surface
- Scissors
- Water
- Paper Towels
Instructions
- Use washi tape to create a border around the watercolor paper, attaching it to a flat surface.
- Note: Steps 2-4 must be completed quickly for the watercolor techniques to work. Use clean water to paint the entire surface of the watercolor paper. Tip: Use a large paintbrush or spray bottle to speed up the process.
- While the paper is still wet, fully cover page with blue and green watercolor paint. If done correctly, colors should bleed into one another. Again, work quickly because the paint needs to still be wet in the next step.
- While the paint is still wet, press plastic wrap over the entire page. Do not smooth out the wrinkles. Leave the plastic wrap on the paper and set aside until the paint is fully dried.
- Sketch lily pad design on the second piece of watercolor paper.
- Use watercolors to paint lily pad sketch.
- Use a white gel pen to add small highlights to your dry lily pad painting.
- Cut out lily pad painting with scissors.
- When background page is dry, remove plastic wrap and draw wavy lines over page with gel pen. Lines should cross over one another. Then, use the pen to round corners where lines cross. This will create a smoother water look.
- Attach lily pad to water background using double sided foam tape.
Notes
Watercolor Lily Pad Art Variations
- Glue lily pad onto paper instead of using dimensional foam tape.
- Draw something other than a lily pad floating on top of the water.
- Alter colors used to create different types of water.
Watercolor Lily Pad Art Variations
- Glue lily pad onto paper instead of using dimensional foam tape.
- Draw something other than a lily pad floating on top of the water.
- Alter colors used to create different types of water.
Other Fun Watercolor Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog
Did your kids enjoy creating these watercolor lily pad paintings? Did they add extra details to their designs?
