This abstract watercolor art lesson for middle and high school art students introduces non-objective art through the vibrant work of Sonia Delaunay while teaching essential watercolor techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, gradient blending, drop-in color, and mixing on canvas.
Students begin by exploring Sonia Delaunay’s artwork and analyzing how color relationships create energy and movement in abstract art. Before starting their final painting, students complete a watercolor technique practice sheet where they experiment with wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, gradient blends, drop-in color, and mixing on canvas. Students then apply these techniques to a bold abstract composition made of overlapping circles and curved shapes that fills the page with color and movement.
Designed for grades 6–12, this lesson is engaging, easy to teach, and perfect for introducing students to abstract watercolor and non-objective art.
• 22-page PDF presentation with step-by-step teaching slides
• Complete lesson plan (objectives, standards, materials, procedures, vocabulary, and more)
• Student self-evaluation
• Watercolor technique handout and practice sheet
Watercolor techniques practiced include:
• Wet-on-Dry
• Wet-on-Wet
• Gradient Blend
• Drop-In Color
• Mixing on Canvas
• Full video demonstration of the entire process
• Introduces abstract watercolor and non-objective art in an engaging way
• Teaches essential watercolor techniques step-by-step
• Encourages thoughtful color choices and experimentation
• Works well for both middle school and high school art classes
• Includes presentation slides, worksheets, and assessment tools
• Students create bold, colorful artwork with strong visual movement
• Abstract Art & Non-Objective Art
• Watercolor Techniques
• Color Relationships
• Composition & Design
• Principle of Movement
• Craftsmanship & Artistic Decision-Making
This lesson is designed for grades 6–12 and works well for middle school art, high school art, abstract art units, watercolor technique lessons, and color theory exploration. The structured process makes it easy to teach while still allowing students plenty of room for creative decision-making.
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