Mixed Media Bird Paintings

Medium: Tempera and Watercolor on Paper
Grade: Pre-K through 2

This project was intended to give my students a chance to explore multiple mediums in one project.  The project should be separated into at least two different class periods to allow children enough time to develop their ideas.

The children can go on an adventure and find a few different natural elements to make the prints on the paper such as leaves, pinecones, branches and other things. The children paint the objects and use them to make nature prints.  Leave to dry :)

While the prints are drying have the students draw birds in pencil.  After they are secure in their drawing have them trace over the pencil lines with a black ball point pen.  Let the students choose watercolor paint colors to paint a lively bird. Leave to dry :)

This is the last phase of painting!  Have your students draw and then paint one tree branch.

After everything is dry the students can start cutting out their bird and branch to glue onto the monoprint paper.  Students can choose the style and direction of the branch and bird but may need some help from you :)

Here are some examples. Enjoy.

-Art Lady