Activity Name: Watercolor Cave Paintings
Counselor In Charge: Amoeba
Session #: GG
Location: Back Patio Tables
Date: April 8, 2018
Day: Saturday
Supplies Needed:
Bowls of green, blue, purple, and yellow water colors VERY watered down (enough for 3
rotations)
Bowls of water to rinse brushes (1 bowl per 2 campers)
Paint brush (1 per camper)
Watercolor paper (1piece per camper)
Bowls of black tempera paint (1 bowl per 4 campers)
Gold, Black, and Silver sharpies (2 each)
Napkins
Procedure:
1. Set out water color paints while you explain you’ll be creating our own watercolor cave
paintings.
2. Have counselors pass out a water color paper to each child as you teach that painting is
as old as art itself! Color has been around for more than 20,000 years, as seen through
ancient Chinese art and cave paintings. The ancient Egyptians thought color had
magical and healing properties.
3. Explain that you will be using waters to represent colors cave people could have easily
made by mushing blueberries,spinach, turmeric spice, beets etc.
4. Brainstorm with kids what other natural products could be used to make paints while you
Pass out paint brushes
5. Now you have 4 different colors to paint with (green, blue, purple and yellow). You’re
going to use these colors to paint your entire watercolor paper. This will be your cave
wall.
6. Teach about cave paintings while their watercolors dry a bit.
a. Cave paintings date back to the time when Neadrathals roamed the earth (old
humans).
We knew that humans couldn’t write during the prehistoric periods, so there are
many theories of how the cave paintings were used to tell stories.
b. Though most cave paintings are of animals, there are some of people too.
c. The paint or color that they probably used was from berries, clay, soot, or
charcoal.
d. One of the most famous cave paintings is at Lascaux, in France. These paintings
are of horses, bulls, and stags. They’re thought to be over 17,000 years old.
7. Now is your chance to create your own story of your experience of the natural world at
camp. What animals do you see around these parts? What would you draw from your
own life that you would want to be around for hundreds of thousands of years? Use the
black tempera paint to paint out your own cave paintings.
8. Pass around example of cave paintings so the kids can see.
9. Once children are done, allow them to share their paintings and talk about what they
chose to paint and why.
Outcome:
The kids will learn about the historical facts and significance of cave paintings. They will
learn accessible and safe techniques to create natural paints. They will expound on significant
values in their own life that they cherish.They’re able to express their individuality creatively.
They practice public speaking and are able to take ownership and pride over their work as they
share their pieces with the group. They’re able to explore their own creative vision in a safe
environment.