Eyewitness: Watercolor
DK Eyewitness Books Series
on Goodreads (16)
What’s inside...
Traces the history of watercolor, introduces its materials and techniques, and looks at watercolors by major artists.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do the colors in the watercolor paintings make you feel?
Can you describe what you think the artist was trying to show in this painting?
What is your favorite watercolor artwork from the book and why?
If you could step into any of the paintings in this book, which one would it be and what would you do there?
How do you think watercolor painting is different from other types of art we've seen?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you explore 'Eyewitness: Watercolor' together, encourage your child to express their emotions and thoughts about the artworks. This helps in understanding their emotional and aesthetic responses.
Ask your child to imagine being an artist and discuss what themes they would choose to paint with watercolors. This can spark creativity and personal connection with art.
Relate the watercolor topics to your child's experiences or current surroundings to make the content more relatable and interesting.
Create a mini art project where you both try to create simple watercolor paintings after reading the book. This hands-on activity will enhance their appreciation and understanding of the medium discussed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and expression
Explanation: Eyewitness: Watercolor teaches children the art of expressing themselves through the gentle and versatile medium of watercolors. Michael Clarke guides young readers on how to use colors to portray emotions and scenes vividly.
Real-World Application: Children learn to communicate their feelings and thoughts through art, which can be a healthy emotional outlet and a way to share their unique perspectives with others.
Example Lesson: Patience and concentration
Explanation: The process of watercolor painting as described in the book requires careful attention to detail and patience to master the techniques. Clarke emphasizes the importance of taking time to mix colors and control brush strokes.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these skills of patience and focus to other areas of learning and day-to-day tasks, enhancing their ability to concentrate and achieve better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature
Explanation: Clarke uses natural landscapes and water scenes as primary subjects in his lessons, encouraging children to observe and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
Real-World Application: This awareness can lead to greater environmental consciousness and inspire children to take part in conservation efforts or enjoy more outdoor activities.
Example Lesson: Understanding color theory
Explanation: The book introduces basic color theory concepts, including how to create new hues and the emotional impact of certain colors, helping children understand how colors interact.
Real-World Application: With this knowledge, children can make more informed choices in visual projects and daily tasks, understanding the psychological effects that colors have.
Example Lesson: Experimentation and learning from mistakes
Explanation: Eyewitness: Watercolor encourages experimenting with different techniques and learning from the outcomes, whether they meet expectations or not.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of resilience and adaptability, allowing them to tackle challenges in creative endeavors and problem-solving situations confidently.