Experimenting with Paints -

Similarities and Differences

In this activity, you will use various tools and methods for applying watercolor, poster paint and acrylic paint to determine the similarities and differences among the three paint media. You will evaluate the results of painting with the three paint media and prepare a list of advantages and disadvantages of using each paint in creating a specific piece of artwork.

Materials:

· 12-x-18-inch of piece paper

· paint brushes & sponges

· watercolors

· acrylic paints

· poster paints

Procedure:

Part I.

1. Divide a sheet of 12-x-18-inch piece of paper into 18 3-x-4-inch rectangles, as shown in the figure below.

	3-inches

12-inches

2. Orient the paper so that the 18-inch side is horizontal. Label the rectangles in each row numbers 1 through 6.

3. Using the watercolor, paint the first six-rectangle row as follows:

a. Rectangle 1: With the paintbrush, apply the paint in full strength, or with very little water, using long strokes.

b. Rectangle 2: With the paintbrush, apply the paint in overlapping strokes, using at least two colors in this rectangle.

c. Rectangle 3: With the paintbrush, apply the paint in watered-down strength.

d. Rectangle 4: With the sponge, apply the paint using very little water.

e. Rectangle 5: With the sponge, apply the paint using more water than was used in Rectangle 4.

f. Rectangle 6: Wet the rectangle and apply the paint full strength using the paintbrush.

4. Repeat step 2 for the second row, using acrylic paint.

5. Repeat step 2, using the poster paint.

Conclusion and Questions

1. Prepare a list of advantages and disadvantages of each of the three paint media.

2. Describe how the three paint media are alike.

3. Describe how the three paint media are different.

4. What paint medium do you prefer? Why?