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Chalk is a versatile drawing medium that can be used on sidewalks, walls, paper and other surfaces. For a little variation in your chalk-based artistic pursuits, try using wet chalk. The texture changes and the drawings take on quite an artistic look, one which you may be familiar with from sidewalk chalk artists. Before you know it, you'll be creating works of art that will stop people in their tracks.

Steps

  1. 1

    Assemble the chalk that you are going to use. If possible, use a variety of colors. This will catch people's eyes and make your artwork look professional.

  2. 2

    Immerse the chalk sticks in water that has been placed in a container, such as a glass; [1] fill up to about three quarters of the length of the chalk stick.

  3. 3

    Leave to soak for no longer than 10 minutes [2] - you still want the chalk to stay in one piece, so keep an eye on it, especially if you have skinny chalk. While it is soaking, prepare the paper or area that will be used for the artwork. If working on a wall, scan it for any grooves and other imperfections that may affect your drawing.

  4. 4

    Remove the pieces of chalk and lay them on something that won't be damaged by wet chalk, such as a piece of cardboard, a plastic bag, a plate, cemented ground, etc.

  5. 5

    Begin the chalk drawing. The colors will appear richer and deeper than dry chalk.[3] Try smudging the colors into one another to create amazing effects.

  6. 6

    When finished, let the drawings dry undisturbed. [4] If they were done on paper, hang them to dry. If they are on a sidewalk or wall, try to make sure no one steps on or rubs against your beautiful creation.

  7. 7

    Leave the chalk to dry on its own and it'll be back to normal again. If you continue to wet it repeatedly, it will eventually crumble, which can result in some interesting effects.

Add New Question

  • Question

    Should I draw while it's wet or dry?

    Community Answer

    You should draw when the chalk is damp. That way if you are drawing outside, the chalk won't blow away in the wind and colors will turn out brighter.

  • Question

    Can I paint a piece of cardboard with blackboard paint, and do my drawing on there?

    Community Answer

    Totally! That's a great idea! Make sure that you use several coats of chalkboard paint, and that you let it cure properly. If you use it too soon to draw in, the water might seep in and destroy the entire thing.

  • Question

    Do I use pastels or chalk that is used to write on a blackboard?

    Community Answer

    Use actual chalk because a pastel also has a bit of oil mixed in with the powder.

  • Question

    What shades of green should I use to draw bamboo leaves on a wall?

    Community Answer

    I would recommend using a mix of light and dark greens to add depth to your leaves! I would start with a light green base and then do some highlights in dark green.

  • Question

    How can I seal my drawing on my outdoor wall?

    Community Answer

    Use a spray-on fixative for pencil, pastel, and chalk. (Krylon has a fixative spray.) If it's on wood, you can use a clear varnish after the fixative dries.

  • Question

    Won't the wet chalk ruin the paper?

    Community Answer

    If using printer paper, yes. But there are many different types of paper meant for holding water. Try using multimedia paper.

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Video

  • This is great for sidewalk art or even for children trying to encourage people to come to their lemonade stand!

  • If there is a defect or imperfection in the surface you are using, try using this in your drawing.

  • Try dissolving sugar in the water before soaking the chalk for extra bright colors.

  • Try drawing on black paper - the effect is amazing.

  • Hold on to everything that you make. What may not seem very appealing to you may turn into a piece of art that many people love. "One man's trash is another man's treasure"!! Take color photos from more than one angle when you're done if it's on a sidewalk or wall.

  • If this is part of an art class or home-art exercise, ask the painters to think about how the texture feels different and if they can see the different art techniques that wet chalk drawing creates.

  • A sidewalk chalk artist is sometimes called a "screever," such as Bert in "Mary Poppins."

  • Be creative in what you are going to draw. Don't focus on just one thing. Draw many different things.

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

  • Don't press too hard, as the wet chalk is weaker than normal and can easily snap.

  • These drawings do not wash off as easily as dry chalk drawings - wet chalk is harder to wash off because it's stickier.

  • The chalk runs out very easily, so use all you can and keep a good supply on hand!

Things You'll Need

  • A set of coloured chalk sticks (the larger ones are great but any size you prefer will do)
  • Water & container long enough to hold the chalk sticks upright
  • Drawing paper, strong quality or an area of sidewalk or wall to paint.
  • Passion
  • Perseverance

References

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