In keeping with my theme for line drawings, I’m posting a few of my samples that I have done with my students over the years. I don’t like to show “teacher samples” as I don’t feel that helps you much with your expectations, but I’m making an exception here. Hopefully, you’ll get inspired to try a few with your students this fall.
The instructions are simple and are mostly the same for all the line drawings that I do. Start with a directed line drawing (these are great at the beginning of the year because it gives you an idea of how able the kids are at listening) and then progress to showing examples of patterns. Let the students finish up their drawings at their own pace. Many teachers I’ve talked to love to have their students work on these line drawings while reading a book. It gives their hands something to do, while listening intently to a story. Beware though, some kids cannot listen and draw at the same time. Many will stop drawing! Either way, it’s good for the child.
Here are a few samples of cats, owl and fish. As you can see, you can do any animal, even insects (think ladybug!). The focus is to teach children about patterns. To extend this project, cut out the image and paste onto a colorful piece of construction paper. The contrast of the black and white drawings is stunning with a bright color.
Line Drawing Art Lessons: Name Designs
Line Drawing Art Lesson: Turtles
Thanks for sharing…very very fascinating and clever! xx
Wow,
What a great idea. one of my studetns is obsessed with cats and has really good fine motor skills. She is going to love this activity.
thanks for the idea.
Thanks!
I forgot to mention that it's a good idea to leave the cat face free of patterns. This way the kids can add a face and the patterns won't jumble it up.
HI,
I love your blog and art ideas. I taught art last year for the first time, without any training and was blessed to find your pages. Is it possible for you to post directions to drawing the cat and owl?
Masha
What a simple, yet stunning idea. I'm going to use butterflies as we are sending Monarchs off on their migration to Mexico. Thanks!
Patty,
This lesson was a wonderful inspiration to me! I was trying to think of a new lesson to introduce line to me first graders. I loved the idea of filling animal bodies with lines. Then I saw my book of Elmer on my bookshelf, and finally I knew how I could use the story of Elmer in a lesson! I had the kids draw an elephant with black crayon and fill the body with all the different kinds of lines we talk about. Each line would be drawn 5 times and each kind of line was drawn with a different colored crayon. Then the kids had to create a background for Elmer with black crayon and they had to use at least 3 different kinds of line in the background. Lastly the kids watercolored everything except the elephant. They were adorable! And all because of your line lesson! Thanks so much!!!!
If you can get it, Calabash Cat is a story by James Rumford. It is a perfect literacy link and looks exactly like your cat. I think Artsonia has a link.
Yes, I have heard of Calabash Cat and you’re right. The illustrations are fantastic. Line drawings aren’t used that often in pictures books anymore so this one is a real gem.
I thought this project was wonderful. At first I thought it would not end well, but when it was finished I thought it was great.
I loved this project. I thought was going to look weird, but when I was done it turned out really well!
Saw the most beautiful line art drawing at a student art show where the directed line drawing was a girl’s silhoutte!
I entered my cat drawing in a 4-H contest and I won 2nd
Fantastic!
I just came across this, and I really Love it! My 4th grade is EXTREMELY challenging with about 50% Special Ed, anger management, and social/behavior issues! Last week I introduced ZENTANGLE to them which is doodling as an artform, and this lesson follows up beautifully!
I just don’t think they’d sit and listen to me read them a picture book though….
Yes, maybe you can skip the book reading. Glad it worked!