Creating Water Marks Through Art
Here are eight engaging ocean-water painting techniques you can use with children to create textured map surfaces. These approaches help transform flat blue water into expressive ocean areas that surround landforms and coastlines. The activities work well across age groups, with elementary-aged children able to complete many steps independently.
Instead of painting water a single shade of blue, these techniques invite children to explore texture, movement, and variation. By combining art with mapmaking, children can connect geography concepts with hands-on creative work. These same techniques can also be used in other art projects beyond maps.
When children enjoy the process of creating textured papers, learning becomes more meaningful. Geography concepts are better understood because children physically create and manipulate visual elements. As children gain experience, they often become more intentional and thoughtful in how they plan their maps and layouts.
Ocean Water Facts to Explore Together
Here are a few questions you can explore with children during this activity:
- Why does the ocean appear blue?
- Why do some parts of the ocean look darker than others?
- What is a coastline?
- What causes waves?
- How much of the Earth is covered by water?
- Why is ocean water salty?
Map and Geography Concepts to Introduce
- What is a globe?
- What is a map?
- What are the four main directions?
- What is a compass rose?
- What is a map legend?
Using Textured Water Papers
Save all textured paper scraps for future projects. These pieces can be collaged into compass roses, bookmarks, or additional map features. If possible, allow children to observe real bodies of water. If that is not available, books, encyclopedias, and educational videos are helpful visual references.
Materials for Creating Texture
Paper Surfaces
- Watercolor paper (9 × 12 pad)
- White copy paper (8½ × 11 or 11 × 17)
- Heavy-weight printer paper (approximately 100 lb book weight)
Paint Options
- Acrylic paint
- Watercolor paint
- Dry watercolor cakes
- Watercolor crayons
- Antarctica Map, this was crated by cutting a round shape from the salt watercolor textured paper.
Tools
- Large, medium, and small paintbrushes
- Sponges
Technique Supplies
- Yarn or string (any color or thickness)
- White wax crayon
- Spray bottle
- Color wheel (printed reference)
Eight Ocean Water Texture Techniques
1. Salt on Wet Wash
Sprinkle salt onto wet watercolor paint. The salt absorbs pigment, creating organic textures. Lightly spray with water to activate movement. Allow the paper to dry fully, then brush off the salt.
2. Plastic Bag Texture
Place crinkled plastic or wax paper over wet paint. Let it dry completely before removing. This creates irregular, wave-like textures.
3. Bubble Wrap Texture
Paint a wet wash of blue paint, then press bubble wrap onto the surface. Leave flat to dry, then peel away to reveal repeating circular textures.
4. Yarn Texture
Soak yarn or string in diluted blue paint. Arrange it across the paper to suggest water movement. Once dry, remove the yarn and add a light wash over the marks if desired.
5. Crayon Wax Resist
Draw landforms first. Use a white crayon to draw water movement lines around the shapes. Paint over the surface to reveal the resist. Demonstrate this technique separately so children understand the effect.
6. Sponge Painting on Dry Paper
Apply paint using a sponge on dry paper for controlled texture. Using less water keeps colors from blending too much.
7. Vintage Map Look
Crumple paper gently, then flatten. Dip into diluted blue paint. The paint settles into the creases, creating an aged map appearance. Paper can be flattened again once dry.
8. Dry Brushstrokes
Use dry watercolor cakes or lightly loaded brushes on textured paper scraps. This creates crisp marks that do not blend and works well for adding final details.
I hope you enjoy trying these techniques with your students. I’d love to hear how they work in your classroom or art space.
A Short Cut Just for You
If you’d like to learn more about all getting kids painting, read my book, Kids Painting.
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