Watercolor Pencil Turkeys: A Process Lesson for the Holidays

For the holiday season, we explored the magic of watercolor pencils while creating festive turkeys! This project combined creativity with a focus on the elements of art and principles of design, making it as educational as it was fun.

How We Used Watercolor Pencils:

1. Sketch and Shade:
   Students started by sketching their turkeys with regular pencils. Then, they shaded and added details using watercolor pencils, layering colors for depth and texture.

2. Activate with Water:
   After coloring, they used a damp brush to go over their work. This brought out the vibrant colors of the watercolor pencils, blending and softening the lines beautifully.

Art Critique and Reflection:

Once the turkeys were finished, we gathered for a critique. Each student shared which elements of art (like color, line, or texture) and principles of design (such as balance or emphasis) they used in their turkey. It was exciting to hear them explain their choices and learn from each other!

Why We Loved This Project:

Watercolor pencils are so versatile—they’re like drawing and painting in one! This lesson helped students practice layering, blending, and thinking critically about their art. Plus, the turkeys turned out full of personality and seasonal charm.

What fun projects are you doing for the holidays? Share your ideas or give watercolor pencils a try—they’re a game changer!

Happy Thanksgiving! 1969