Project Day: Sketching What You See

This week, Art Teacher Grammie had to take a leave of absence so that she could serve as Poll Worker Grammie instead.  That left me to substitute as Art Teacher Mommy-Auntie.  I decided to do a project that was one of my favorites from my art class days: outdoor sketching.   The weather was just a tad chilly to actually go outside though, so we utilized these fantastic windows instead.

Before I handed out the materials, we talked about how artists have to practice before they paint great masterpieces.  They have to use their eyes to look at the world around them, and then practice drawing what they see.  I think the kids got a kick out of the idea that "great artists" practice too.

As an added twist, I set a timer for 10 minutes.  Their drawing was done when the timer went off, and then they all switched seats.  For the next 10 minute session they could either draw the same thing from a different position or else something different that they could see.

The students range from almost 8 (counting down the days) to 2 years old, so it was entertaining to see how they each portrayed what they saw onto the paper. 

For the last few minutes of the class, the older kids turned around and sketched something that they could see inside.

My sweet niece decided to sketch me.  I'm so glad she gives me that cute smile, even though she really knows I'm just another of her crazy aunties.

Here are some close ups of the sketches:

Ian (6) drew a tree - and then he just couldn't resist adding a boy sledding down the hill behind the tree.

Brynn (4) drew the same hill, only without the sled.

Watching the kids working away on their pictures kinda made me want to dig out my old sketch books and join in the fun.  Maybe I will - but I won't be posting any pictures of that!

Linked up at: Real Family Fun,