Have you ever looked at a cloud and seen an animal or some other random image? Most everyone has used their imagination to "find" things in clouds, and popcorn offers this same creative experience! This is a great lesson for 5th grade and up. Make sure you create a sample to illustrate the steps... a picture is worth a thousand words here! After doing this lesson, your … [Read more...]
“Touch” Contour Drawing
A workshop participant trying out the "touch" method of contour drawingIn my last teacher workshop, I showed how students can improve their drawing skills with different types of contour drawing. In previous posts, I've talked about blind, memory and guided contour drawing. Last, but not least, is "touch" contour drawing. This is another great way to train students to pay … [Read more...]
More Contour Drawing – “Memory” and “Guided”
"Guided" Contour Drawing by Austin, grade 5In her book, Art for Kids: Drawing, artist and author Kathryn Temple reminds us that, "The most important thing an artist can do is pay attention." It's amazing how most people go through life without really looking at the world around them. Contour drawing will help you break this pattern and begin to notice all the amazing details … [Read more...]
Teacher Workshop – Contour Drawing!
"Blind Contour Drawing" of a student in my workshop!I love this quote by Kathryn Temple, author of Art for Kids: Drawing.... "Drawing has more to do with seeing than it does with holding a pencil in your hand." So true!! In my teacher workshop last weekend ("Teaching Drawing to Kids") we focused on how to help kids unleash the power of the right side of the brain to learn to … [Read more...]
Shoe Drawings
Third Grade Shoe Drawing by Brian Contour drawing is a great activity for developing your drawing skills, no matter what your age or level of ability. There are dozens of fun projects you can do with contour drawing, but here is one of my favorites... Shoe Drawings!1. Remove one shoe and place it on your desk.2. On 9x12 paper, make light pencil marks to indicate placement … [Read more...]
Take Avantage of Your Local Art Talent!
I hope you know that I mean "take advantage of" in a good way! Every community has its share of local talent, so why not bring some of that influence into your classroom? Sometimes it helps our students to hear enthusiasm about Art coming from someone other than us! Inviting a local artist into your classroom can be an inspiring and even unforgettable experience for your … [Read more...]