Layered Winter Shapes Art Project for Kids • Kids Activities Blog

School-aged kids will learn about layering colors and shapes in this fun project. This mess-free technique can easily be used at home or in the classroom.

Using Negative Space

In art, positive space is that which contains the subject or main point of interest within the art piece. Negative space is the remaining area which surrounds the object. Artists will play with colors within these positive and negative spaces to create illusions within their art.

In this project, kids create the illusion of stacked shapes by creating layers where they only color the negative space.

Related: Review positive and negative space using watercolor.

Supplies Needed to Make Layered Winter shapes Art Project

• White Cardstock (we used 8.5×11)
• Smaller piece of White Cardstock (we used approx. 6inch square) – to create shape stencil
• Scissors
• Crayons, Colored Pencils, or Markers – Kids choose 3-4 similar colors for this project. Ex. Use multiple shades of a color, analogous colors, etc.

Directions to Make Layered Winter Shapes

Step 1

First, kids cut a basic shape from the smaller piece of cardstock to use as a stencil. We chose to fold our paper in half and cut on the creased side, easily creating symmetrical shapes.

Step 2

Next, on the blank piece of cardstock, kids use the lightest of their color choices to trace around their shape multiple times.

Step 3

Then, kids lightly color all of the negative space, or that which is OUTside the lines! Note: Kids need to color lightly, or with very little pressure. Applying too much crayon or colored pencil on a layer will prevent them from being able to add additional layers to their project.

Step 4

Next, kids change to a slightly darker crayon and retrace shape a few times. Again, lightly color only the negative space between the shapes. Continue to change to darker colors and layer shapes until 3 to 4 layers are created.

Finished layered winter shapes Art Project

Our projects turned out great! Since these layered winter shapes are made on paper, they can easily be framed, clipped, or displayed with your holiday decorations. 

Our Experience Making this layered winter shapes Art Project

This is such a fun project because kids get to color OUTside the lines! The idea of coloring outside of the shape can be a bit confusing for some, but as the layers are added, they’ll see how the project comes together nicely.

The most important step of this project is to color using lightest to darkest colors. Kids also need to color with little pressure so mediums will easily layer over one an other. If needed, kids can touch up shapes using the appropriate color at the end of the project.

layered winter shapes Art Variations

• Project can be completed using watercolor or other paints, simply allow for dry time between each layer.
• Create using multiple mediums and layering the same color. Example: First layer – watercolor, second layer – colored pencil, third layer – crayon, etc.
• Cut shapes to fit any season or theme.

Other Fun winter Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog

Did your kids enjoy coloring outside the lines in this project? What shapes did they choose to layer?