Create Wet Chalk Drawings
Chalk is a versatile drawing medium that can be used on sidewalks, walls, paper and other surfaces. For a little variation in your chalk-based artistic pursuits, try using wet chalk. The texture changes and the drawings take on quite an artistic look, one which you may be familiar with from sidewalk chalk artists. Before you know it, you'll be creating works of art that will stop people in their tracks.
Steps
- Assemble the chalk that you are going to use. If possible, use a variety of colors. This will catch people's eyes and make your artwork look professional.
- Immerse the chalk sticks in water that has been placed in a container, such as a glass; fill up to about three quarters of the length of the chalk stick.
- Leave to soak for no longer than 10 minutes - you still want the chalk to stay in one piece, so keep an eye on it, especially if you have skinny chalk. While it is soaking, prepare the paper or area that will be used for the artwork. If working on a wall, scan it for any grooves and other imperfections that may affect your drawing.
- Remove the pieces of chalk and lay them on something that won't be damaged by wet chalk, such as a piece of cardboard, a plastic bag, a plate, cemented ground, etc.
- Begin the chalk drawing. The colors will appear richer and deeper than dry chalk. Try smudging the colors into one another to create amazing effects.
- When finished, let the drawings dry undisturbed. If they were done on paper, hang them to dry. If they are on a sidewalk or wall, try to make sure no one steps on or rubs against your beautiful creation.
- Leave the chalk to dry on its own and it'll be back to normal again. If you continue to wet it repeatedly, it will eventually crumble, which can result in some interesting effects.
Tips
- This is great for sidewalk art or even for children trying to encourage people to come to their lemonade stand!
- If there is a defect or imperfection in the surface you are using, try using this in your drawing.
- Be creative in what you are going to draw. Don't focus on just one thing. Draw many different things.
- Try drawing on black paper - the effect is amazing.
- If this is part of an art class or home-art exercise, ask the painters to think about how the texture feels different and if they can see the different art techniques that wet chalk drawing creates.
- Try dissolving sugar in the water before soaking the chalk for extra bright colors.
- Hold on to everything that you make. What may not seem very appealing to you may turn into a piece of art that many people love. "One man's trash is another man's treasure"!! Take color photos from more than one angle when you're done if it's on a sidewalk or wall.
- A sidewalk chalk artist is sometimes called a "screever," such as Bert in "Mary Poppins."
Warnings
- Don't press too hard, as the wet chalk is weaker than normal and can easily snap.
- These drawings do not wash off as easily as dry chalk drawings - wet chalk is harder to wash off because it's stickier.
- The chalk runs out very easily, so use all you can and keep a good supply on hand!
Things You'll Need
- A set of coloured chalk sticks (the larger ones are great but any size you prefer will do)
- Water & container long enough to hold the chalk sticks upright
- Drawing paper, strong quality or an area of sidewalk or wall to paint.
- Passion
- Perseverance
