Edgar Degas, How to Use Coffee Filters in Art Projects

Ordinary coffee filters used for drip coffee makers are a versatile and inexpensive supply for arts and crafts projects. Perfect for home, or school art program as it can be purchased in bulk. Combine with markers, paint, water, these paper circles can be transformed into a numbers of things.

Edgar +Degas Art Masterpiece

+Degas Style Ballerina

Edgar Degas (deh ɡɑhs); was a French artist regarded as one of the founders of the Impressionism.   He enjoyed capturing female dancers and is famous for capturing movement in his work and  is best known for paintings, pastels and drawings of dancers. 

+Degas Style Sailboat

After a discussion about Edgar Degas, our volunteer art guide Anna, demonstrated how kindergartners in Mrs. Knowlton's class can show movement and texture by using coffee filters. Students drew  and cut out their designs and applied to their background.  Coffee filters were colored with markers and attached as tutus or sails on a sailboat.

Coffee filters also work well with watercolor and diluted tempera paint.  Add the desired about of paint to your water.  The less water you start with the darker your filters will be.  Stir the paint and water together.  Dip each filter in just about an inch in the water.  The coffee filter will soak up the paint. Place on rack to dry. Once dried your coffee filter will have an ombre effect.