NAP: Secret Message Paintings with Lovie
Nesting the Arts Project has begun and our Virtual Artist in Resident, Lovie Pignata, did a wonderful job during our first workshop! On October 21st, she presented parents with a simple activity, sure to be easy to replicate at home, with their families.
The activity was called Secret or Hidden Message Paintings. Parents were asked to create secret messages on watercolor white paper using white oil pastels. Each parent created a few hidden messages. We collected all the papers, shuffled them and then distributed to all, randomly. Now was time to reveal the secret messages they have chosen by painting the paper over with watercolor paint. Participants created great color designs and had great fun discovering the secret messages written by other participants. Soon they were all trying to guess who wrote them.
This activity is a wonderful way to incorporate art into your family time at home and all parents were pleased to see how it can be adapted to do with children of all ages.
You can replicate this at home too! Lovie provided us with a list of materials and instructions. Enjoy with your family and bring art to your household with BxArts Factory
We would love to thank Wonderfully Made, Frances and Richard Rivera for hosting this amazing project. We love collaborating with them and look forward to the second workshop on November 4th.
To follow along, watch videos and enjoy exclusive content join our Facebook Group: Virtual Residency: Nesting the Arts Projects by BxArts Factory
Secret Message Paintings
Secret Message Paintings are great for any age or art experience level. Messages are written or drawn with white pastel on white paper and the hidden images are revealed by painting the paper. The techniques are simple but the process makes it an engaging activity with an element of surprise.
Supplies: white crayons or white oil pastels, watercolor paper, watercolor paints, brushes, clipboards
Instructions: White crayons or oil pastels are used for drawing on the watercolor paper. Participants can write a message using words, draw, use stencils or scribble using the crayons on watercolor paper. Each participant should make several quick pages with messages. All the papers are shuffled and dealt like cards to each participant until there are none left. The ‘secret message’ papers are painted over with watercolor paints. The painting part of the exercise is not about any technique, just covering the page and seeing the ‘secret message’ that is revealed when the wax crayon resists the paint.
Photo Credit: Omesh Persaud
