Sun printing with plants—try a super-easy technique that only requires paper, paint, and light
Sun printing is a fun and easy technique for all ages. Paint your paper, place plants on the wet surface, and let the light do the rest. As it dries, the watercolor recedes from under the leaves, creating a beautiful leaf pattern.
Sun printing—supplies:
- Watercolor paper
- Watercolor or water-based paints and a paintbrush
- Masking tape or painter’s tape
- Lupine or other plant leaves
- A painting surface
What is sun printing?
Sun printing is a patterning technique done on paper. It’s based on the idea that paint dries differently under non-absorbent shapes. Despite the name, you don’t actually need the sun, but it does speed up drying. Try sun dyeing on fabric, too! Instructions for sun-dyeing fabric
Sun printing—instructions:
1. Attach the watercolor paper to your painting surface with masking or painter’s tape.
2. Soak the entire paper with water or mist it with a spray bottle. Then paint the paper thoroughly with a generous amount of color.
3. Place lupine or other plant leaves on the painted paper. Press them firmly so they lie as flat as possible. If you like, you can add more color, but be careful not to move the leaves.
4. Let your piece dry until the next day, then remove the leaves. Finish by mounting your painting on colored cardstock.
Tip!
Try woodland ferns or other intricately patterned leaves—the effect is delightful!
