Summer Games Swimming Chalk Art Tutorial

One of the favorites of the Summer Games is the swimming events. Why Summer Games now? Because the torch starts making its journey in the spring.

This Summer Games swimming chalk art tutorial is a representation of a swimmer in motion. Imagine the Olympic ‘stick figure’ swimmer and that is what you will begin with.

Chalk pastel supplies needed: Black, blue, light blue, light pink or peach and white chalk pastel sticks. Light blue construction paper or plain, white printer paper.

Turn your construction paper horizontally to begin your swimming pool. Now your swimmer is fast and is already on the far right of your paper. You can place your swimmer first and then surround him with water. Use your black chalk pastel stick to make a simple, round head and then long arms. One arm reaching forward in a stroke and one arm behind. Fill in your swimmer with black and then smooth in the color with your finger tip.

Next, turn your brilliant blue on its side and skumble in the color of the water. This water is in motion from all the activity of the Olympic race. So be sure to add some smooth waves. With your lighter blue, add a bit of depth – just under your swimmer. The light from above may be shining down but also the splashing causes this part of the pool to appear lighter.

Fun splashes are next, using your white pastel stick. Because of the speed your racer is going, the white splashes of water naturally spread in front and in back. Make these extend from each swimming arm. Then take your white pastel and dot, dot, tap, tap, tap in some water droplets landing all around. You might blend then add some more splashes, layering until you are pleased with it.

At this point you may want to add either a pool lane marker or what looks like the side of the pool. Simply a blue line all the way across. Then little circles for detail.

Now your swimmer will wear goggles. So take your blue chalk pastel and draw in the googles. Not much detail, just enough to notice.

The light pink pastel adds just a little depth to your swimmer’s skin. Just a touch of pink helps to catch the lights from the Olympic swim stadium and the reflection of the wet arms chopping through the water.

Finish up by using your light blue and maybe a little white to work on the pool water. You can make it realistic by adding these layers of color. Little waves and reflections of light because you ARE an artist!

Our newest A Simple Start in Chalk Pastels: Summer Games!

More Summer Games Art

New! Summer Games Chalk Art for All Ages – 50% off the WHOLE STORE for a short time!

Summer Games Coliseum Chalk Art video tutorial – can you just see the athletes?

Featuring You! You ARE an Artist!

So, paint your summer games picture and be sure to share with us! Simply tag @hodgepodgemom on social media, send a photo via the Hodgepodge contact form here or post on the Hodgepodge Facebook page. We will be sharing these via the Hodgepodge instagram or on our Art Tutorials Showcase Pinterest board – or both! Nana will even comment on a few I am sure!

Free eBook and More!

Get your FREE ebook (with a coupon)! Getting Started in Chalk Pastel Art.
See how you can get started in just three steps! Watch the one minute You ARE an Artist video at chalkpastel.com.
A note on chalk pastels: Pastels are an easy, forgiving medium. Fun for children and adults alike! Details on the pastels and paper we use, how and where to purchase are in our series, Chalk Pastels 101. A simple set of chalk pastels is very affordable. Nana also teaches acrylic lessons.
The practical aspects of a mess: Pastels are blessedly messy. We always have baby wipes close by to wipe hands. We wear something we don’t mind getting stained or don a smock.
Be sure to subscribe to our Hodgepodge YouTube channel for free video art tutorials!