Painted Autumn Leaves

Here is a painted leaf project that is very easy to do. Sometimes when I try a new technique I try it over and over again finding lots of applications.

This is based on the tissue paper texture technique I described in this post.

This can easily be done with younger kids with only some assistance with the textured paper prep.

Please feel free to click on the picture to see the detail in these leaves.




Materials Required:

white tissue paper
watercolor paper or posterboard
gesso
leaf templates
scissors
tempera paint in Fall colors
glue
paper for mounting




You first need to prep the paper you will be using. Take some torn pieces of tissue, some gesso and either a paintbrush or a spreading tool like an old gift card.










Spread some gesso on the paper...lay down some tissue using your fingers to create some wrinkles in it. Cover this with another coat of gesso to keep the paper down.

For more detailed instructions check out my post here.


Let dry fully.






Print off some leaf templates or you can freehand these. Trace the leaf shapes onto the back of the paper.












Cut out. Try to use an odd number of leaves it will make for a better composition.











Paint with tempera or watercolor paint. Leaves tend to turn color from the edges first. You will often find leaves that are still green in the center....discuss this with the kids before painting...you want a variety of colors on each leaf.


You can also use some brown on the edges.






The colors run together a bit and pick up the texture from the tissue paper.

Let dry.











If you wish you can add some veining using some dark brown and white paint as well as a fine paint brush.

With younger kids you could use pencil crayons or fine markers to make it easier.










Glue down on some nice contrasting posterboard as a mount.

You can now put a sheet of wax paper over your work and lay a heavy book on top to help your piece dry flat.













Here is one with an oak leaf shape.

Give it a try and we'll see you next time.