Learning Objectives:
- Observation
- Eye-hand coordination
- Exploration & curiosity
- Confidence in drawing
- Choice
- Compositional skills
Materials:
- Paper
- Pencil
- Markers
- Watercolor or diluted food coloring
- Objects found outdoors (seashells, leaves, feathers, flowers, twigs, etc.)
Tools:
- Paintbrush
- Toothbrush
- Cotton Swab
- Water Cup
- Straw
Steps:
- Source about 3 to five natural objects of various sizes
- Set up an area to draw with pencil
- Make sure you are in the sunshine at an angle (before noon or after)
- Hold an object above the paper to observe it’s shadow.
- Think about where the shadow looks interesting on the paper (composition)
- Using a pencil, as you hold the object above the paper, trace only around the shadow without picking up your pencil. (You might need someone to help you hold the object as you draw!)
- This is called continuous contour line drawing
- Repeat this process with 2-3 other objects of various sizes, overlapping the images. It’s OK to have the lines criss-cross over each other.
- Next, take a fine line marker and trace around what you drew in pencil.
- Final step is to add some color and texture! Use a paint brush, tooth brush or a cotton swab
- Watercolor that is very watery with more water than paint OR you can use very watery food coloring if you do not have watercolor.
- Add some splashes of color by flicking the brush or other applicators, or blow with a straw!
- Add some color by painting in the shapes that you see because of criss cross lines AND/OR outline around shapes.
- Any and All Above!
