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Watercolours are a great medium in art classes for kids, but there are some parameters to consider before choosing them. This includes lightfastness, colour quality, and transparency. While the benefits of watercolours in drawing classes, such as their non-toxic and easy cleanability, are well-documented, in this blog, VR School of Art, a major art school in Toronto, will focus on these 3 parameters.
Lightfastness is defined as the resistance offered by the watercolour to fading when exposed to light. In essence, it covers the longevity of a colour on the canvas. According to the American Society for Testing and Materials Standard (ASTM), there are 3 categories of watercolours in terms of lightfastness, namely ASTM I, ASTM II, and ASTM III. Of the three ASTM I showcases the most lightfastness, whereas ASTM III shows the lowest. Therefore, choosing a watercolour will depend on the goals. If the aim is to erase colours quickly, then colours with low lightfastness work better.
As is evident, transparency defines the property of watercolours that allows light to pass through them. There are 4 main categories here, namely, transparent, semi-transparent, semi-opaque, and opaque. Each has its own features. While transparent colours are brighter, the more opaque versions offer a chalkier texture.
The type of pigment used in watercolours is the biggest determinant of colour quality. For instance, a single pigment watercolour is much more lively since it has a higher concentration of pigments, as compared to mixed pigment colours.
By focusing on lightfastness, transparency, and colour quality, it is possible to find the right watercolour that is best-suited for any art classes for kids.
To enroll your child in drawing classes, contact us at VR School of Art today. As one of the leading art schools in Toronto, Ontario, we also offer oil painting classes, landscape painting, sketching, and more. For more details, get in touch with us at 647-894-7706 today.
Yes, watercolours dry almost instantly, making it difficult to change after some time. However, you can paint over them to make changes.
The toxicity of a colour is determined by its chemical composition, most importantly, whether it contains any heavy metals. Colours free from such chemicals are deemed non-toxic.