Drawing

The fundamental elements are: 

Line, Shape, Tone, Texture, Colour, Pattern, Form, Composition

Drawing from natural forms is a really good way to develop skills and build confidence. Try using a view finder to isolate sections and pick out patterns and explore the world of mark making. Try quick drawings for 30 seconds, then try a 1 minute drawing. 3 minutes will feel such a long time in contrast. Try drawing with the wrong hand, drawing without looking at your paper. Lossen up your hand and your mind in this way rather than focusing on the whole object right from the start.

It is all about learning to look. Drawing teaches us to REALLY LOOK.  A higher standard of drawing can be achieved if the children warm up to mark making with managable guidance. Learning to look for the positive and negative shapes in a chosen veiw. Use a magnifying glass to aid looking.

A few lines on a page can be an incredibly useful and effective way express our thoughts, to communicate ideas. A quick sketch can save many words and make an idea clear. Pupils’ ability to chose the most suitable tool and learn to control different drawing tools will have benefits across the curriculum and be a valuable skill for life. Drawing from natural forms, chosen surroundings and from imagination are all valuable experiences for children in the modern learning setting.

Leonardo could not have shown us possible future technologies or the working of the human body without the ability to draw. Giving pupils the chance to practice is valuable. Deciding which tools are most suited for each drawing: Pen, pencil, pastel, charcoal all have there place in the classroom.

Judy Grahame, Consultant for Art and Design, runs some fantastic courses for subject leaders. Progression of skills needed to develop across primary education. Drawing is fundamental.  Pupils need to be given interesting and achievable drawing opportunities.

The chance to try out different mark making tools.

The use of sketch books is important for all year groups to practise these skills.

Continuous line drawings aids the flow of line and can encourage the confidence to draw without fear of mistakes. No rubbing out. Berol pens are fantastic for making clear confident drawings.

Using lettering to draw and invent a phont for a Cafe` Banner at the Hillcrest Community Centre.