Gond Fish

Today we get our subject inspiration from the Gond people of India. We will learn about watercolor resist techniques. We will also learn about the element of art called line and the principle of art called a pattern. Elements and Principles of Art are the building blocks of designing and creating art.

Fun Facts

The Gond people are from India. They lived in forests for centuries so their art is influenced by nature. Their name means “the green mountain”.

A long time ago, they would make their art on mud walls using charcoal, soil, leaves, and even cow dung! Now they use art gavatar - smelly supplies we are used to like paper canvas and paints.

Notice all the dots and dashes the artist use!

Gond Fish

Vocabulary

Learn more about new words and terms used in this project

Line

Definition:
- A line is a mark made by a point moving across a surface.
- You could also say it is a dot that took a walk.
Here is a video to learn more about lines

A fun activity to learn more about lines: ->> Do Activity

Art camp for kids - Line Activity

Pattern

Definition:
- A pattern is a design in which lines, shapes, forms, or colors are repeated.
- The part that is repeated is called a motif.
- Patterns are a Principle of Art and can be regular or irregular.

Open a larger image here

Watercolor Resist

Definition:
- When we use a media like crayon or oil pastels to draw with, and then paint over it with watercolor paint, the crayon or oil pastel will resist the watercolor. Resist means the crayon or oil pastel will repel the watercolor.

Gond Fish

Supplies Needed

9 x 12 Watercolor Paper or thicker multi-media paper

Black Oil Pastel or Black Crayon

Various colors of Crayon or Oil Pastels

Watercolor Paint

Paint Brush

Container of water

Plastic Watercolor pallet

Note:

In case you need a copy of the supplies, here is a place where you can get a copy. ->> Download Now

Things you will need

As a teacher, I have found that gathering your supplies and resources before starting your art project makes creating art so much more fun.

The following are some ideas for this project I hope you will find helpful.

Idea one: Gather the supplies listed on the supply list.

Idea two: If your artist uses light pressure while drawing, encourage them to use more pressure on this project.

Idea three: I encourage using light-colored crayons or oil pastels when doing the patterns in the fish and water. Young artists are so surprised how the drawings pop out when you put watercolor over it. I call it magic!

Idea four: My favorite watercolor for a young artist is liquid watercolors. They are so much more vibrant and easier for young artists to use. They come in concentrated bottles so you just add water and the bottles provide enough paint for many hours of creativity!

Project Time

Before we start a project it is always a good plan to review the supplies and other things that may be needed. You do not want to get into the project only to learn that you do not have that one essential item. Let’s review now, Click here..