Teaching article
Observational drawing starts with noticing selected details
Look for specific features rather than aiming at photographic perfection.
A cup handle's attachment points can tell the maker more than a memorised cup symbol. Return to the object for a few specific observations, making accuracy of attention more important than producing a polished likeness.
To hand: A safe familiar object.
Return attention to the object when a detail is uncertain. Observation supplies information that a memorised symbol may omit.
Look again where the detail is uncertain
Notice the outer shape. Add two observed details. Compare with the object.
A cup handle's attachment points are useful details to observe.
Drawing skill is not a measure of effort. Which detail came from observation?
Use an object photograph.
Resources
- Free Elements of Art Worksheet for Kids – Shape, Line, Color, Value, Space, Form & Texture — Use the element vocabulary as a reference while children make their own visual choices.
Further reading
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