Instructions

Step 1: Gather your materials.

Step 2: Try different drawing prompts!

Contour Drawing: Keep your eye on the object as you draw it. Try not to lift your pencil or look at your paper. It’ll be hard at first, but this exercise can help you become a better observer.

Quick Gesture Drawing: Try to make a sketch of the whole object in just 5 seconds. Then try again, giving yourself 10 seconds. You’ll be glad you have this skill when you need to draw something (like a bird) that moves quickly.

Diagrammatic Drawing: Start by drawing the outline of the object. Then add in details (such as shading, coloring, and blending) plus notes about its size, color, and shape. This technique can be really helpful when you don’t have a field guide at hand. Use your sketch and notes to notice and remember details about your subject.

To watch this process visit youtube.com/PeabodyEssexMuseum

Show us!

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