Let’s learn how to make black glue Earth art! What better way to honor our planet as Earth Day approaches than by creating a unique art project? Enable your artistic talents and make a statement with this captivating Black Glue Art Project for Earth Day!
What is Black Glue Art?
Black glue art is a creative technique that uses black glue, typically made by mixing black acrylic paint with white school glue, to outline designs or images on a surface. Once the glue outlines dry, their spaces are filled with watercolor paints or other coloring mediums.
Find 50+ fantastic art projects for kids right here!
This technique creates a striking contrast and showcases intricate designs. Black glue art is often used for various projects, including this Earth Day art, mandalas, and other intricate designs like our black glue Jellyfish!
How to Make Black Glue Earth Art
Find all of our Earth Day art projects here.
Materials Needed:
- Printable Earth template (below)
- Black glue (homemade or store-bought)
- Watercolor paper or heavy-duty cardstock
- Watercolor paints or liquid watercolors
- Paintbrushes
- Pencil
- Optional: masking tape, glitter, or other decorative materials
Black Glue Earth Art Steps
STEP 1: Get the Print the Earth Template: Print the Earth template provided below. Depending on the size of your artwork, you can resize it according to your preference. Don’t want to use the template, freehand your own version of the Earth!
STEP 2: Prepare Your Workspace: To prevent any mess, lay down some newspaper or a protective covering on your workspace. Then, place your printed Earth template on top.
STEP 3: Make Your Black Glue: If you don’t have black glue, you can easily make your own by mixing black acrylic paint with white school glue. Stir until the color is consistent throughout. If desired, add black paint directly to the squeeze bottle.
STEP 4: Trace with Black Glue: Using the black glue, carefully trace the outlines of the continents on the Earth template.
STEP 5: Let It Dry: Allow the black glue outlines to dry completely. Depending on the thickness of the glue and the humidity in your environment, this may take a couple of hours.
While you’re at it, Try Salt and Glue Painting!
STEP 6: Watercolor Painting: Once the black glue is dry, it’s time to bring your Earth to life with colors! Use watercolor paints or liquid watercolors to fill in the continents and oceans. Experiment with different shades and blending techniques to achieve the desired effect.
Learn more about using watercolors and techniques and making homemade ones here.
STEP 7: (Optional) Add Details: Get creative and add extra details to your Earth artwork. Use a fine-tip brush to add highlights or shadows, or sprinkle glitter over the oceans for a sparkling touch.
Why Do Black Glue Art?
Contrast and Visual Appeal: The use of black glue outlines against vibrant watercolor paints creates a striking contrast that captivates attention.
Intricate Detailing: Black glue allows for precise outlining, enabling artists to create intricate details and patterns easily. This aspect of black glue art encourages kids to focus on fine motor skills and attention to detail, fostering their artistic development.
Creativity and Experimentation: Black glue art encourages creativity and experimentation as kids explore different color combinations, blending techniques, and design ideas.
Hands-On Learning: Black glue art provides a hands-on learning experience for kids, allowing them to explore concepts such as color theory, shapes, and spatial awareness tangibly and enjoyably.
Make sure to learn more about the 7 Elements of Art!
Additional Black Glue Art Projects
You can use the black glue technique with any art printable on our website. Try out a mandala or one of these spring coloring pages that include a rainbow, flower, and butterfly.
More Earth Art Projects
Helpful Art Resources To Get You Started
Here are a few resources to help you introduce art more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.
Printable Art Bundle
You’ll find many famous artists featured in our Famous Artists Project Pack 👇 including tons of fantastic art technique resources!
This bundle includes a variety of art packs to cover different areas of the art experience! It is perfect for ages 5-12, with activities to suit all age levels. It is easy to use in the home or classroom.
PACKS INCLUDE:
- Famous Artists Project Pack with 25+ artists to explore past and present, including women, people of color, and indigenous peoples.
- Artists Challenge Pack: Various extra art projects, including a museum scavenger hunt and extras.
- 7 Elements of Art Pack: Learn about and explore the 7 elements of art with handy information, tips, and fun projects to try.
- Art and Playdough Pack: Make homemade playdough and use these art mats, featuring famous artists and simple information, with kids of all ages.
- Art Techniques Pack: Learn watercolor, collage, and printmaking techniques for your art projects. This pack includes information, tips, and activities!
