Watercolor Painting

Watercolor is a kind of paint you mix with water. The paint is light and soft looking. You paint it on thick paper called watercolor paper. Watercolors are great for painting flowers, skies, and landscapes.

How to Use Watercolors

First, dip a brush in clean water. Then touch the paint to pick up color. You can add more water to make colors light. You can add less water to make colors bright. Let each part dry before adding more.

History and Artists

People have used watercolors for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians painted with them on papyrus. A painter named J.M.W. Turner made famous watercolors of the sea and sky. Today, many artists and kids use watercolors.

Fun Facts

• Watercolor paper is often bumpy to hold water better.
• Real paint brushes for watercolors can be made from animal hair.
• A watercolor can dry in just a few minutes.

Did You Know?

A famous artist named Beatrix Potter used watercolors to paint the pictures in Peter Rabbit books.