Animal art rocks

Across the ages, caves and rocks were used as a canvas. Now you can try it, too!

What you’ll need

  • Magazines or picture of an animal face
  • Smooth egg-shaped rock
  • Dishwashing soap
  • Water
  • Scrubbing brush
  • Newspapers
  • Sharp pencil
  • Acrylic paints
  • Wide brush (finger width)
  • Narrow brush

How to do it…

1. Look through magazines for a picture of an animal you'd like to draw. Cats, dogs, birds rabbits and snakes work well.
2. Find a smooth rock. It should be the basic shape of the animal’s body or face.
3. Scrub the rock with soap and water. Rinse well and let it dry.
4. Cover your work area with newspaper.
5. Pencil a design on the rock then paint the outlines and shadows of your animal using a wide brush.
6. Fill in blocks of colour with the wide brush. Let your rock dry.
7. Add details using a narrow brush. Wipe mistakes away with a damp cotton ball. Add white dots to the animal’s eyes to make them sparkle.

Top tip: If you mess up painting your rock, let it dry off and paint it again!
Illustrations by Mark Thiessen