Oil & Liquid Watercolor Painting

This is another great process oriented art activity for children of all ages. Additionally, using the droppers helps develop fine motor strength and accuracy.

You will need:
liquid watercolors
small cups/containers
droppers
paper
oil
a large tray or pan


We used tubes of liquid watercolors, placing a toothpaste amount in a small disposable cup and adding about 1/2 ounce- 1 ounce of water.

Set paper on a rimmed tray or baking sheet. We used watercolor paper.

Allow children to experiment adding oil and paint in any order they like.

Some children will use all of the materials you provide. 

Beautiful process art but this amount of oil won't dry and can't be hung. 

Enjoy the process and the beautiful visual displays it produces!

We also tried this project at a recent play group but we premixed the watercolors and oil in small containers.....the advantage to this is that the amount of oil added can be controlled from the start.

 The kids then usedtheir droppers to apply the paint oil mixture.

Another option is to mix the paint and oil in cups and apply with the droppers to a flat surface. Then press the paper into the paint mix creating a print.

Be sure your paper fits entirely on the surface and isn't too big.

The printing process creates a different design.

Have a great time experimenting!