A lot of success in art is just learning the tricks. Broken down into manageable parts, it is much easier to draw large objects.

Give students the handout with two sets of grids. In the smaller set of grids is a drawing with a worm and apple. The grids will help the students to see the art in sections and really focus on their observations. One way to focus on the detail of the drawing is to draw the object upside down. Yep, I did say upside down. Instead of seeing a worm and apple, the students will be able to focus on each box much more easily. Use both positive and negative shapes to replicate the apple and worm. Those students finishing early may do an additional drawing of their choosing. For older student, I have them draw an "X" in each box. That gives you four triangles. Inside each box, I have the students focus on each triangle one at a time.

The culminating activity is to select an object from a magazine or photograph that they would like to enlarge. Using the width of the ruler, create a grid over the object. (Helpful hint: The width of most rulers is one inch. If you trace the ruler on both sides, it makes it easier to quickly make grids that are one inch squares.) Then, on a sheet of drawing paper, create a larger grid. Be careful that the squares are proportional. Draw the object of choice one block at a time. Then, use watercolors to paint the drawing. Finally, when the painting is dry, outline with a fine black marker.

Copyright 2000, revised 2012 by Phillip Martin All rights reserved.