A Simple Medium Review for Young Artists
By Spramani Elaun
Watercolor crayons are a favorite material in many children’s art spaces, and for good reason. They combine the familiarity of drawing with the excitement of painting, making them an approachable medium for a wide range of ages.
I enjoy introducing watercolor crayons during art lessons because children can begin drawing immediately and then experience the transformation that happens when water is added. This simple shift from dry to wet often sparks curiosity, confidence, and creative exploration.
What Are Watercolor Crayons?
Watercolor crayons look similar to traditional wax crayons, but they are designed to dissolve when water is applied. Once activated with a wet brush, the marks soften and spread, creating effects similar to watercolor paint.
Key characteristics include:
- Water-soluble pigments that activate with moisture
- Soft texture that glides easily on paper
- Strong, vibrant color when dry
- Transparent, luminous color once water is added
Many watercolor crayons available for children are certified non-toxic and safe when used as directed.
Why Watercolor Crayons Work Well for Kids
Watercolor crayons are especially effective because they build on skills children already have. Most children are comfortable doodling, scribbling, and drawing with crayons long before they feel confident using a paintbrush.
Benefits include:
- Children can draw first, then paint
- Images feel easier to control than brush-only painting
- Less frustration for beginners
- Minimal setup and easier cleanup
- Comfortable grip for small hands
Children often enjoy watching their drawings change as water is brushed over the surface, turning lines into washes of color.
Supporting Early Painting Confidence
Traditional watercolor painting can take time to learn. Brushes, water control, and pigment flow are skills that develop gradually. Watercolor crayons help bridge that learning curve.
Because children can first draw recognizable shapes or images, they feel more confident before adding water. This helps reduce frustration and encourages continued exploration.
As children grow and seek more detail, watercolor pencils or traditional watercolor paints can be introduced later.
Simple Watercolor Crayon Setup
Materials Needed:
- Watercolor crayons (non-toxic)
- Watercolor paper
- Small to medium paintbrushes
- Water in a cup or jar
- Napkins or paper towels
Helpful Tip:
Removing paper labels and cutting crayons in half allows more children to share the same set during group activities.
Simple Project Ideas
Moon and Stars
Children can draw shapes using plain crayons first, such as stars or a moon, then color the background with watercolor crayons. Brushing water over the surface reveals both resist and blended color effects.
Cooling Star
This activity combines art with basic science ideas. Children draw star shapes using warm colors, then apply water using a brush or an ice cube. As the ice melts, the pigment dissolves, creating a soft painted effect that visually represents cooling.
Even very young children can participate at their own level, focusing on mark-making and watching colors move.
Final Thoughts
Watercolor crayons offer a gentle introduction to painting concepts while honoring children’s natural drawing instincts. They support creativity, confidence, and curiosity across a wide age range.
If you haven’t tried watercolor crayons yet, they are a joyful and accessible medium worth exploring with children.
Warmly,
Spramani Elaun
A Short Cut Just for You
If you’d like to learn more about introducing painting experiences to children, explore my book Kids Painting for additional guidance and ideas.
Read more about how to pick paints for kids art projects here
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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