Drinking straw paintings

In this podcast, I'm trying to explain an art technique that--in lieu of illustrations--may need some trial-and-error experimentation.  Then again, that's the whole point.

You'll need three things:
- a drinking straw
- some watercolor paint mixed with water
- a sheet of drawing paper (anything that won't absorb the paint too quickly)

Here's what to do:

1. Put a blob of paint + water on the paper.
2. Position the drinking straw close to--but not touching--the paint.
3. Blow through the straw so that the paint is forced forward in a line.
4. Follow the paint as it progresses across the paper.
5. When you need another breath of air, position the straw so that the line will go in a new direction with the next breath.
6. Continue until that line runs out of paint.
7. Repeat with the original blob of paint until it runs out.
8. Put a new blob of paint, maybe in a new color, near the original blob.
9. Repeat until you decide that your drinking straw painting is done.

Here's another suggestion:

Paint a nice, thick line from the bottom edge of your paper to the middle (or so).  Put the blob of paint at the top of it.  Follow the instructions, above.  The thick line is the tree trunk and the individual, blown lines are the branches.  Add leaves, and it's a painting!

This is a great project to do with kids.  (It can also be hilarious fun at a party, if everyone's in a carefree mood.)