Tempera Resist Painting

Practice resist technique in this art lesson: tempera resist painting.

🎨 Studio Brief #8

Draw with oil pastels or crayons, then paint over with tempera.

🎯 Your mission

Make a feeling with color, not a thing.

⚡ The twist

Use colors that don't 'go together'.

What you'll learn

Draw with oil pastels or crayons, then paint over with tempera. The waxy lines resist the paint, creating a bold, graphic effect.

Get ready

Techniques you'll practise

resist techniquemixed mediacontrast

Water cups and paper towelsWatercolor paint setRound brushes (sizes 4-8)Watercolor paper

Step 1 of 4

Draw a design or scene with oil pastels, pressing firmly. Leave some areas blank.

Step 2 of 4

Mix tempera paint with a little water so it flows easily.

Step 3 of 4

Paint over the entire paper with a large brush. Watch how the paint rolls off the oil pastel lines.

Step 4 of 4

Let it dry. The bright pastel lines pop through the painted background.

Did you know?

🤯 Mind = Blown

🤯 The color we call 'blue' didn't have a name in many languages until very recently.

🌟 Artist Spotlight

🎨 Mark Rothko painted huge color blocks that made adults cry.

You did it!

🎯

We'll pick an art project that matches exactly where your skills are right now.

✨ More to explore

🌍 Where you see this: Every brand, every poster, every video game — color was picked on purpose.

🏆 Try this week: Paint your feeling today — no shapes, just colors.

👨‍👩‍👧 At dinner: “Why did you pick those colors? What feeling were you going for?”

Send it to a parent looking for a 15-minute screen-free creative win.