Taking old materials and bringing new life to them is one of the most exciting parts of being an art teacher. This wet chalk drawing process does juts that. Take the dirty stubs of chalk, add some water and check out the bright colors that are hiding underneath!
Materials needed for wet chalk drawing….
You will need chalk but the kind is up to you. I used the bits and pieces of this chalk pastel set. I’ve been using these for the past two years of co-op and I love them. They are super smooth and vibrant but priced so they are not too precious to use with kids!
If you have colored chalk board chalk or even sidewalk chalk you can totally use that too just know the colors won’t be quite as brilliant!
If you want your colors to really “pop” working on black construction paper is the way to go.
Just add water….
Start with a shallow dish of water and dip just the tip of the chalk into it. Immediately draw on the black paper. The chalk will go on smoothly and be almost a little slippery. The color will be more vibrant and more opaque than if it were dry.
It doesn’t take long for the water on the chalk to be used up. Keep on dipping and drawing.
The really awesome part of this process is the layering and blending of colors that’s possible with the wet chalk. Encourage kids to layer analogous colors next to each other and on top of each other.
What’s the subject….
This wet chalk technique can be adapted to any subject. Drawing a still life or landscape? Start with a light pencil drawing and add in color with the wet chalk.
Maybe you’re working with younger kids and are looking for more of a process art activity that provides them with an opportunity to experiment and move colors around without a predetermined finished product. This is it.
Toss out paper, water, and chalk and let them create, no restrictions or suggestions. Kids rock this kind of freedom!
Would I need to use a spray fixative so they don’t smear if handled? Would that be sufficient if I wanted to send them naked through the mail?
I did not seal ours and they can be handled without too much transfer. A quick spray of sealer would certainly be enough!
Hey, thank you for replying. You’re my art media instructor. Always wanted to take more classes to learn different art media and techniques. Hugs to you for widening my horizons!
Love it. I will try it with my students.