Crayon Crackle Painting Lesson Plan: Painting for Kids

Students will learn about texture as they experiment with crackle patterns using paper, crayons and paint.

By Andrea Mulder-Slater

Objectives:

Identification:

Students will learn about texture as they experiment with crackle patterns. If possible, students will relate their drawings with raku pottery.

Creation:

Students will create a crayon crackle picture.

Appreciation:

Students will learn to appreciate the art created not only by them, but by others as well.

What You Need:

White paper (computer printer paper — nothing too thick)
Crayons (all colors of the rainbow)
Paintbrushes
Water
Ink (for older) or Paint (for younger) . Any color will do but black is especially effective
White glue
Construction paper (optional)

What You Do:

If possible, show your students examples of pottery with crackle glazes. Certain types of Raku pottery have a lovely crackle surface.

Tell your students that they will have a chance to create drawings with a crackle finish.

Each student should receive a piece of paper (no larger than 8-1/2″ by 11″) and some crayons to start.

Any image or design at all can be created on the paper using crayons. Your students should be encouraged to apply the crayon rather heavily.

Once the paper is covered with crayon, have your students take and crumple it up — making sure not to rip it to bits. The idea here is the crumple – not to destroy.

Now, your students should lay the paper out as flat as it will go. A piece of newspaper might not be a bad idea (to protect tables and desks).

The next step involves covering the crumpled paper with watered down paint. Make sure that the paint is not to thick by testing it on a scrap piece of paper. A thin wash of color is what your students are after.

Using a paintbrush, your students can cover the paper with a paint wash. The paint will go into all the little cracks that began to appear when the paper was crumpled.