Watercolour Wonders Start

Overview

Duration: 60 minutes
Class size: 30 students
Year group: Year 1
Unit: Watercolour Wonders: Klee Inspired (Lesson 1 of 6)

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National Curriculum Links (Art and Design – Key Stage 1)

• Use a range of materials creatively to design and make products (Art and Design - Purpose of Study)
• Use drawing, painting and sculpture to develop and share their ideas, experiences and imagination (KS1 programme of study)
• Explore the use of colour and texture (KS1)
• Learn about the ideas and approaches of artists (KS1)

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

• Know the basic tools and materials used in watercolour painting (paints, brushes, water, paper).
• Demonstrate simple watercolour brush techniques (including washes and basic strokes).
• Begin to experiment with mixing primary colours to create secondary colours.
• Create a simple watercolour wash inspired by natural colours.

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Resources

• Watercolour paint sets (preferably with primary colours only: red, blue, yellow) – one set per pair of students
• Brushes of varying sizes (including flat and round brushes)
• Thick watercolour paper (A4) – one per student
• Water pots for rinsing brushes
• Paper towels or sponges for drying brushes
• Palettes or plastic plates for mixing paint
• Examples of Paul Klee’s watercolour works (printed or projected; simple and colourful abstract/natural forms)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Aprons or old shirts to protect uniforms

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Welcome and settle students.
• Show a few simple Paul Klee watercolours. Explain briefly that Klee loved using watercolours and bright colours to create pictures.
• Discuss watercolour tools: paint, brushes, clean water, paper. Show and name each tool clearly.
• Link to NC: “We are learning to use paint to have fun and to create colours.”

2. Demonstration (10 minutes)

• Show how to dip the brush into water, then into paint to get the right watery consistency.
• Demonstrate two basic brush strokes: a flat brush stroke (broad, even stroke) and a round brush stroke (thin, curvy line).
• Show how to make a watercolour wash: wetting an area of paper with clean water, then brushing in paint for a smooth colour effect.
• Briefly demonstrate mixing two primary colours to make a secondary colour (e.g., red + yellow = orange).

3. Guided Practice (20 minutes)

• Students work in pairs to explore:
  • Practising flat and round brush strokes on scrap paper.
  • Experiment mixing primary colours in small amounts on palettes.
  • Apply a simple watercolour wash (a rectangle or another basic shape) on their watercolour paper while using brushes as demonstrated.
• Circulate, encourage sharing observations, prompt: “What happens when you mix red and yellow?” or “Can you make the colour lighter or darker?”

4. Creative Time (15 minutes)

• Students create a simple abstract watercolour wash inspired by Klee’s use of colour and shape. They can paint simple shapes or patches of colour with washes, experimenting with overlapping colours.
• Encourage freedom but remind of the brush techniques.
• Play soft classical or gentle jazz music in background to set a calm creative mood.

5. Plenary and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Invite some students to show their paintings and describe their favourite colour mixes or brush strokes.
• Recap vocabulary: watercolour, wash, brush stroke, primary colours, mix, paintbrush.
• Link back to NC aims: “We have explored painting with watercolours and learned how artists like Paul Klee painted with colour.”

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Assessment

• Formative: Assess children’s ability to hold brushes correctly, use water and paints safely, and create basic brush strokes and washes through observation.
• Peer feedback: Encourage positive comments on colour choices and brushwork during plenary.
• Self-assessment: Ask students which brush stroke or colour mix they liked best and why, verbally or by thumbs up/down.

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Differentiation

• Support: Provide extra hand-over-hand guidance for brush handling; use larger brushes; simplified palette with just one or two colours initially.
• Challenge: Encourage more confident painters to experiment with layering washes or creating simple shapes within their wash.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• PSHE: Emphasise patience and looking carefully while mixing colours.
• Science: Simple discussion about water changing paint and colours mixing.
• Literacy: Reinforce vocabulary introduced in the lesson with word cards.

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Teacher Notes

• Ensure plenty of clean water is available to keep paint colours fresh.
• Have paper towels ready to minimise frustration with wet brushes or spills.
• Keep the atmosphere positive and experimental — encourage children to “discover” colour and water behaviour.
• Capture some photos of children’s work for next lessons to reference progress and techniques learned.

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This lesson sets a strong foundation for the following lessons in the unit where students will deepen skills and explore Klee’s artistic style with watercolours.