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Anyone can learn how to draw, it just takes practice and guidance.
Before a child can draw from observation they first have to notice what they are drawing.
Start by asking questions that encourage students to focus on the object: “What lines can you see that are straight/curved/wiggly?”
“What basic shapes can you see?”
Having students trace the outlines of shapes in the air before starting to make marks on the page helps them to focus on line and dimensions and builds confidence before starting.
This lesson is a great start to observational drawing; the students are focused on the object they are drawing as the marks they are making on the page are almost impossible to see.
Tell the students that they are to focus on looking not drawing. The end results are fun and there are no right or wrong marks!
Observation
Provide a vase of flowers, a flax head in a bottle or other material for students to use for observational drawing.
First get students to complete a Blind Contour Drawing by putting a pencil through a hole in a square of cardboard so their hand is covered, they will only be looking while they are drawing.
Ensure drawing extends from the top to the bottom of the page paying close attention to every little curve and bend.
Draw it again, this time without the blinder using white crayon. It is sometimes easier for students to stand while drawing so they get enough pressure to make strong marks on the paper.
Encourage students to only draw while their eyes are looking at the object.
Paint With Watercolours
Ask students to decide on the colours they will use (remembering three primary colours make brown).
With a wet brush get paints wet and juicy before starting.
Wet paper with spray bottle or wipe with a damp sponge.
Add colours and enjoy the ‘magic’ that happens when colours blend together on the page.
Rinse the brush between colours to prevent colours getting muddy.
Paint until no white is showing. Use colours to create contrast and interesting colour mixing.