Hand tracing art starts with the outline of a hand drawn on paper, which you then fill with designs. For this resist version, kids trace a hand on watercolor paper, color patterns inside it with crayons, pressing hard, then brush watercolor paint over the whole sheet. The crayon wax repels the paint, so the design shows through.
Last updated: October 18, 2026. Facts checked against the sources listed at the end of this article.
Let’s create a fun hand-tracing resist art that will entertain the whole family! What better way to fill our time than by having them create hand-tracing resist art! We love the beautiful end result of this art. You can capture a moment in time with your kids and their age as well as use this art as wall art once framed. This project requires very little, if any, prep work and very few supplies, yet lends itself very well to many different ages and skill levels. This is the perfect project in our book for a busy person who still wants to take time to create some watercolor resist art in their day.
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What is resist art?
Resist art is a technique that uses layers to shape invisible designs or patterns: one material blocks the paint, so whatever is under it shows through. The artist uses a clear medium such as tape or wax or a medium that has color but is resistant to paint, then paints over the covered area with a layer of color. The color from the paint will stick to the surrounding area, letting the resist layer show through. Resist painting is a common art form used with young kids as it can be incredibly flexible in its design. This resist art project lends itself very well to many different forms. In addition to a hand design, you could trace a leaf or any other object around the house and have fun creating zentangle art designs within it with your crayons.
We love this crayon resist art because of how simple it is, and we hope you do too! So let’s get started.
Supplies Used:
- Watercolor Paper
- Watercolor paints
- Crayons
- Pencils
- Watercolor paint brush
Hand-Tracing Resist Art Directions:
- Have your child trace their hand using a crayon or pencil on a sheet of watercolor paper. Younger children may need help with this part.
- Color in the hand with crayons, pressing hard, making whatever creative design they come up with. You can help them refer to these fun zentangle art designs dependent on their age and abilities. Even simple scribbles and shapes will look great. You could have them write their name or draw seasonal designs. The possibilities are endless!
- Paint over the entire picture with watercolors, watching the beautiful color combinations emerge. Use multiple watercolors to get unique results.
| Idea | What goes inside the outline | Resist material |
|---|---|---|
| Classic crayon resist hand | Scribbles, shapes or patterns in any colors | Wax crayon |
| Zentangle hand | Repeating zentangle patterns | Wax crayon |
| Name hand | Your child’s name | Wax crayon |
| Seasonal hand | Seasonal designs | Wax crayon |
| Leaf or object tracing | A traced leaf or household object instead of a hand, filled with patterns | Wax crayon |
| Tape resist hand | Strips or shapes of tape | Tape |
| Hand garland | Several finished hands strung together | Wax crayon |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hand tracing art?
Hand tracing art is any drawing or painting that begins with a traced outline of a hand. A child places a hand flat on the paper, traces around the fingers with a pencil or crayon, then turns the outline into something new, such as a patterned design, a name, seasonal pictures or, in this project, a crayon resist painting.
What are some hand tracing art ideas?
Good hand tracing art ideas include filling the outline with zentangle patterns, writing your child’s name inside it, drawing seasonal designs, and stringing several painted hands into a hand garland. You can also trace a leaf or another object from around the house instead of a hand, or use tape instead of crayon as the resist.
What are some easy things to trace?
Hands are an easy thing to trace because they are always with you and kids can trace their own, with a little help for younger children. Leaves and other flat objects from around the house also work well, since their edges give a clear line to follow and the outline can be filled with crayon patterns.
What paint works best for crayon resist art?
Watercolor paint works best, because water does not cling to the waxy crayon lines but soaks into the bare paper around them. The Ormond Memorial Art Museum says light or white crayons look especially good under bold or dark watercolors, and Science World recommends regular crayons or oil pastels, not washable crayons.
Is hand tracing art good for kids?
Yes, hand tracing resist art suits kids of many ages because it needs little prep and only a few supplies. Younger children may need an adult to help trace their hand, while older kids can add detailed patterns. Have them press the crayon hard, as Science World advises, so the wax lines resist the paint.
Hopefully, your child will love the end creation and will want to make many more that you can share with friends or family, laminate, or string together to make a fun “hand garland.” Look at this fun garland for inspiration. This craft will become a family favorite that can include everyone in the fun as you create a family memories together.Additionally, as you get the hang of this technique, you could branch out by using tape as an alternative medium for the resist art technique. If you enjoyed this project, check out some of our other craft ideas that are hand tracing art too.
Sources
- Science World, Wax Resist activity (water does not cling to wax or oil; press hard; pale crayons with dark ink; not washable crayons). Read October 18, 2026.
- Ormond Memorial Art Museum, Watercolor Resist Painting tutorial (crayon wax resists watercolor; press hard; light or white crayons with bold or dark watercolors). Read October 18, 2026.
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