Before young artists graduate to more robust materials like acrylic and oil paint, they often earn their stripes on watercolours. 

These richly coloured paints suspended in water-soluble binder have long been an obsession for kids of all ages. But why? What about watercolouring makes it so irresistible and fun for kids? 

This article aims to answer that question. If you’re a parent or teacher looking for fun art projects this summer, consider the points below as reasons to run to your local art supply store, grab a watercolouring kit, and watch the smiles grow on your kids’ faces. 

They’re Vibrant, Expressive and Freeform – Just Like Kids

Kids have big imaginations and even bigger feelings. As they attempt to understand the world, they also view art as an opportunity to experiment and blur the boundaries of what’s possible. 

Watercolours fit these sensibilities to a tee. With their vibrant colours, expressive movements and bleeding hues, watercolours are the perfect material for a young mind trying to test the limits of creativity. 

Watercolours Are a Sensory Experience

Dipping the brush in the water, gliding it through the pigment, splashing it across the canvas, and watching an image pop out of the translucent, two-dimensional design – watercolours are a rich, multi-sensory experience. It’s no wonder kids can sit in fascination for hours in front of a watercolour easel. 

Consider buying a quality set of watercolours for kids at a local arts supply store. These stores will have various vibrant colours to work with. You can find impressive examples for all ages at Above Ground Art Supplies. 

Watercolouring Is Calming, Enriching and Empowering

Studies show that art has a calming effect on kids of all ages (even adult “kids”). Moreover, it helps boost self-confidence, fine motor skills and spatial awareness. 

Even though they may not verbalize these positive changes as they bring their artistic visions to life, kids feel them. In many cases, you can witness improved moods, elevated senses of self-reliance, and feelings of empowerment. 

They’re Accessible to Several Age Groups and Abilities

Watercolours are one of the most accessible mediums in art. Manipulating the brush across the paper or canvas is relatively easy, and creating clean brush strokes doesn’t take much effort. This makes watercolouring an ideal choice for kids of various age/skill levels, as well as kids with differing abilities. 

A Bonus for Parents and Teachers: Watercolours Clean Up Easily! 

Lastly, kids and adults love watercolours because they’re easy to clean. Since watercolours are – as the name implies – water-soluble, the pigments easily rinse out of brushes, clothes, skin and… whatever else your kids decided to paint!

Because of this hassle-free maintenance, watercolours are a great opportunity to teach kids about cleaning up after activities. Teaching them to clean up after themselves reinforces their self-reliance and responsibility, which can have long-term positive impacts on their well-being, according to studies. 

In summary, watercolours are expressive, freeing, calming, multi-sensory, and accessible materials that are a cinch to clean. In other words, they’re the perfect supply for your budding artist to experience the benefits of art.