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Drawing is one of the most important activities you and your students can do. Drawing not only provides the basis for other creative activities - like painting, sculpture and printmaking - but it also provides a direct link with reading, writing and especially mathematics. The connection between drawing and geometric shapes and measurements simply cannot be denied. And do you know what else? Drawing is the single most accessible form of art available. All you need (to begin with), is a pencil and a sheet of paper.

~Andrea & Jan

BASIC SHAPES
This is a wonderful mini lesson in which children will create works of art using basic shapes. Written by Robert Beeching. [read more]

BASIC SHAPES II
This is a wonderful mini lesson in which children will create works of art using basic shapes. Written by Robert Beeching. [read more]
BEAUTIFUL NUMBERS ^K-6
This art activity focuses on the shapes of numbers. A good tie-in to math for younger students. [read more]

BLIND CONTOUR DRAWING ^K-12
Contour drawing is an excellent way to train the eye to draw what it really sees rather than what it thinks it sees. [read more]

BOSCH, HEIRONYMOUS: OH MY GOSH, IT'S A BOSCH! ^{Gr. K-8}
Artist Bosch explored both the good and bad extremes of human nature. In this lesson, students will explore these ideas as they depict beauty and monsters together. Submitted by Julie Moses. [read more]

BOX OF CRAYONS ^K+
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., students will create a classroom box of crayons to celebrate their differences and discover their similarities. [read more]

BUG JARS ^{Gr. 2-4}
Children will learn to look at the details of bugs and plants as they learn about symmetry and asymmetry. From Laura Stuart-Smith. [read more]

CHALK AND GLUE ^K-8
A great lesson using art paste and pastels. Submitted by Leon Ruder. [read more]

CHALK AND STRING DESIGNS ^K+
Learn how to create wonderful works of art using string and chalk pastels. [read more]

CLASSIC STILL LIFE DRAWING ^{Gr. 4-6}
Roberta Scrivener introduces students to a classic method of drawing, on toned paper with charcoal or black pencil, heightened with white. [read more]

CLOWNING AROUND ^K-2
Rebecca Engelman shows you how to teach your first graders how to make a clown drawing. [read more]

COMPLEMENTARY COLOR PORTRAITS ^K-6
Madeline Buonagurio shows us how to create a portrait using one pair of complementary colors. [read more]

CONTOUR DRAWING
This is awonderful mini lesson which shoes students how to create a contour drawing. Written by Robert Beeching. [read more]

CRAYON ETCHING ^K-8
Younger students will enjoy exploring this activity while older students should be encouraged to investigate detailed images and patterns. [read more]

CRAYON RESIST ^K-8
A paint and crayon lesson plan for all ages. [read more]

CREATIVE PRINCIPLES ^{Gr. 7-8}
A series of simple design exercises to further understand of the Principles of Design and how each can be developed within a structured composition. From Ruth Hand. [read more]

DRAW A NEW WORLD ^{Gr. 7-8}
Deborah Dunstedter has a lesson that combines imaginative powers with known map-making techniques in order to create a whole new world. [read more]

DRAWING ADVENTURE ^{Gr. K-5} new
Students will create drawings based on an imaginary journey. [read more]

DOODLES ^{Gr. 4+}
A free-form drawing project that deals with the elements of design - colour, line, shape, form and texture. [read more]

EGYPTIAN BOOK OF THE DEAD ^{Gr. 4-12}
Students will learn about Ancient Egypt as they make a Book of the Dead with Charlotte Broxon. [read more]

ELEPHANTS ^{Gr. K-2} new
Students will draw a step by step contour drawing of elephants using markers and pastels. From Jillian Goldberg. [read more]

FACE STUDY (Draw the Other Half) ^{all ages}
This lesson will help students see and understand correct facial placement. From Katie Haase. [read more]

FILL A JAR ^K-6
This lesson shows students how to make the ordinary - extraodinary. [read more]

FIRST GRADE, FIRST GRADE, WHAT DO YOU SEE? ^{Gr. 1}
Students will draw what they see in their part of the world. From Linn McDonald. [read more]

FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PORTRAITS
Students will learn that complex forms can be created using simple items as they draw portraits in the spirit of artist Giuseppe Arcimboldo. Submitted by Lacramioara Matei. [read more]

FUNDRED DOLLAR BILL PROJECT ^{Gr. K+}
Students will create, and be encouraged to donate, their own FUNDRED DOLLAR BILL, a unique hand drawn artwork based upon the US one hundred dollar bill. The FUNDRED project will allow students to personally reflect on the value of money, the act of contribution and actively demonstrate that their creative actions can make a difference. Submitted by Stephanie Noon. [read more]

GESTURE
This is a wonderful mini lesson which teaches children about gesture drawing. Written by Robert Beeching. [read more]

GETTING TO KNOW YOU ^K-2
Linda J. DiPasquale-Morello has a terrific "ice-breaker" for you to try in your classroom. In this lesson, students will create self portraits. [read more]

GLUE FISH ^{Gr. 3-8}
A great lesson inspired by Marcus Pfister's book, The Rainbow Fish. Submitted by Karen Larmour. [read more]

GREEK STORY VASES ^{Gr. 3+}
Students will discover the art of Greek vases while they develop their own storytelling skills. From Doreen Diorio. [read more]

HAND DRAWING
This is a wonderful mini lesson showing students how to draw hands. Written by Robert Beeching. [read more]

HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON ^K-3
Using the book, Harold and the Purple Crayon as inspiration, students will use shapes to stimulate their imaginations to create a unique image. From Rebecca Engelman. [read more]

HARP OF GOLD ^elementary
Students will experiment with sound as they create and decorate a harp box with markers, crayons, sheet music and glitter. From Mariella Pace. [read more]

INSIDE OUTSIDE DRAWINGS ^{Gr. 1-3 (adaptable)}
Students will study and draw fruits and vegetables in this great lesson from Traci Wolfensperger. [read more]

IT'S A BUG'S LIFE ^{Gr. 4-6}
Students will create an original crayon resist painting of a bug's life. From Elisa Michael. [read more]

JAPANESE ABSTRACT WIND SOCK ^K-6
Learn how to create a windsock with a paper bag and some magic markers. From C. Schilling. [read more]

KLIMT, GUSTAV: BUILDING KLIMT ^K-2
This lesson will introduce your students to the intriguing work of artist Gustav Klimt. Jennifer Schero introduces you to the art and shows you how to "Build a Klimt". [read more]

LANDSCAPE RESIST PAINTING ^{Gr. 2-4+}
Making an art form using processes and techniques influenced by those of different artists can help one to better understand how to create a landscape. From Lauren Geggus. [read more]

MIXED MEDIA DRAWING (& PAINTING) ^{Gr. 4+}
A mixed media still life "happy accident" art lesson that is a great introduction to pen & ink, watercolor and pastels. [read more]

MONET, CLAUDE: MONET'S GARDEN ^Gr.2-8
This lesson from Julie Mower explores the painting "Garden at Sainte-Adresse" Here, students will create their own garden by the sea utilizing a similar composition design. [read more]

MONSTER IN MY CLOSET ^Gr.1-3
This fun lesson from Geoff Snyder allows students the opportunity to create using their imaginations and creativity. [read more]

MUNCH, EDVARD: THINGS THAT MAKE US WANT TO SCREAM ^{Gr. 6+}
Students will learn about the artist Edvard Munch and his famous painting "The Scream". Then they will draw the things that make them scream! Great for Halloween. From Tracy Green. [read more]

MUSICAL ART ^{Gr. 7-8}
Geoff Thompson has great ideas for teaching children the relationship between drawing and music. [read more]

NAME ALIENS & MONSTERS ^K-6
This is a fun, weird and creative lesson that encourages students to create art using their names. Who could ask for anything more? From Melisa McCurley. [read more]

O'KEEFFE, GEORGIA: ABSTRACT FLOWERS ^{all ages}
Students will view and discuss Georgia O'Keeffe's flower paintings and then create their own drawings. From Madeline Buonagurio. [read more]

OP ART CIRCLES ^{secondary school}
Students will learn how to create optical illusion art with the help of art educator Sylvia T. Durso. [read more]

OWL REFLECTIONS ^{Gr. 2-6}
This lesson introduces students to basic printmaking concepts as well as watercolor resist techniques. [read more]

PATTERNS PATTERNS PATTERNS ^{Gr 3+}
Using paper, pencils, markers and some objects from around the home and classroom, you and your students can create some fantastic patterns that will astound and amaze. [read more]

PEN AND INK ^{Gr. 2+}
Students will hone visual recognition skills by paying close attention to details of shape, line, and texture as they create a complete ink drawing of one or more natural objects. From Christina Eosco. [read more]

PERSPECTIVE ^{Gr. 4-8}
Paula Schinski has tips and ideas on how you can teach your students about perspective. [read more]

PLEIN AIR DRAWING AND PAINTING ^K-12
Are you looking for something creative to do on a clear day? Why not take a trip outside to let nature inspire you? [read more]

POP ART ICE CREAM DRAWINGS ^{Gr. 4-6}
A really super lesson plan from art educator Madeline Buonagurio. Use oil pastels instead of paint. Kinderartists will LOVE this one! [read more]

PORTRAIT DRAWING - GRID SYSTEM ^{Gr. 6-8}
Using artist Chuck Close as inspiration, art teacher Alison Lorion shows us how to draw portraits using the grid system. [read more]

PORTRAITS: SIXTH GRADERS EXPRESS THEMSELVES ^{Gr. 6}
Students will demonstrate an understanding of expressionism by creating a portrait of a friend who inspires a mood or feeling. Glue and pastels are the media used. From Rebecca Engelman. [read more]

POSITIVE/NEGATIVE BUGS ^{Gr. 7-8}
Learn about positive and negative space with the help of art teacher Amy Shapley. Students in grade 7 and up will enjoy this fun lesson that focuses on bugs as the primary subject matter. [read more]

PRE-DRAWING EXERCISES
This is a wonderful mini lesson that has children draw images from memory. Written by Robert Beeching. [read more]

RADIAL LETTER DESIGNS ^{Gr. 4-6}
Amy Woods introduces your students to radial balance. [read more]

ROUSSEAU, HENRI: FANTASY JUNGLE ^{Gr. 4-6}
Students will discuss the life and artistic style of Henri Rousseau and then create a stylized drawing using simple shapes. From Rebecca Engelman. [read more]

SEE IF YOU CAN DRAW ^K-6
Students will use their imagination and creativity by solving art problems in this art game. From Judy Walsh. [read more]

SHADED BOTTLES ^{Gr. 4-6}
Amy Shapley show you how to create a wonderful still life with pencils and paint. [read more]

SHADING ^{Gr. 7-8}
Kamla shares some drawing techniques. [read more]

SHADOW PICTURES ^{Gr. 3-8}
This is an activity that teaches students about light, shade and shadow. [read more]

SHAPES: ORGANIC AND GEOMETRIC ^{Gr. 3-8} new
Students will learn about the difference between organic and geometric shapes. They will also learn about warm and cool colors. [read more]

SHOE FISH ^K-2
Aaron Kinn has a fantastic idea for creating fish with your young ones, using the soles of their shoes. [read more]

SKETCHBOOKS - MAKE YOUR OWN ^{Gr. 7-8}
Lori Rennekamp shows you how to create and assemble a sketchbook from assorted materials. [read more]

STAINED GLASS DESIGNS Gr. 2-8
Using white glue for lead and chalk pastel for glass, you can create wonderful stained glass designs. [read more]

STATE HEADS ^K-6
Students will creat art as they learn more about the state/province/territory they live in. From Cathy Jeffers. [read more]

SUNFLOWERS ^{All ages}
Students will create expressionistic sunflowers in oil, acrylic or pencil crayon. [read more]

UNDER THE SEA ^{Gr. 4-6}
Several watercolor techniques are introduced here as students learn about tropical fish, unified composition and contour line. From Rebecca Engelman. [read more]

VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR/DAYS OF THE WEEK ^K-2
Students will become aware of the illustrating style of Eric Carle as they create a "days of the week" caterpillar using crayons. Submitted by Trish Wade from Brisbane, Australia. [read more]

WANDERING INK DRAWING ^{Gr. 4+}
Students will learn to "go with the flow" as they allow their materials to take on a life of their own. [read more]

WARHOL, ANDY: "POP ART" PORTRAITS ^{Gr. 4-6}
Geoff Snyder shows you how to teach your students to gain an understanding of Andy Warhol's work and the origins of "Pop Art". [read more]

WET CHALK PAINTING ^K-8
By dipping your chalk into wet paint, you can create wonderful works of chalk art that won't smudge like regular chalk. [read more]

WHAT'S OUTSIDE THE WINDOW? ^{Gr. 3-8}
This is a terrific drawing lesson that gets the creative juices flowing. It is great as a 15 minute filler. [read more]

You Might Be Interested In:

Fine Art Studio Drawing Kit Who hasn't dreamed of creating a masterpiece? With a Fine Art Studio Kit, artists of all ages get the instruction and the tools they need to feel confident. Each all-inclusive kit is filled with everything an artist needs to become the next Picasso, including a posable 6" artist's mannequin, ten sheets of textured drawing paper, 36-page sketchbook, three graphite pencils, terracotta pencil, white pencil, smudging and erasing tools, and a pencil sharpener. This unique kit is designed to appeal to novice and seasoned artists alike. 10" × 12" with carry handle. In addition to a complete set of drawing tools, it provides 40 pages of detailed color illustrations, photographs and diagrams of step-by-step drawing projects that will increase your skill. 40 pages with color illustrations.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS

Drawing with Children; A Creative Method for Adult Beginners, Too

Colored Pencil Craze