- Definition
Resist" in art means using something (like wax or tape) to block paint from sticking to certain areas, creating a pattern when you remove the resist.
When you draw with a white crayon and then paint over it with watercolour, the crayon resists the paint and the white lines appear.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A resist in art is like wearing a raincoat — the waxy crayon blocks the paint, just like your coat keeps the rain off.
Ask your child: What happens to the paint when it touches the crayon drawing?
Common mix-up: Kids might think the paint isn't working right when it doesn't cover the crayon. The resist technique is actually using the crayon to block the paint on purpose.
Examples
- Placing tape on paper before painting, then peeling it off to show the clean paper underneath.
- Drawing a secret message with a candle or wax and revealing it with paint.
resist is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
