Drawing Projects for Children by Paula Briggs
If you’re looking for a book to inspire kids to draw, I found this gem that just came out last month called Drawing Projects for Children by Paula Briggs from Black Dog Publishing. This book is different from most “how-to-draw” books. It doesn’t teach technique such as chiraschuro, or show you how to draw realistically. Instead it offers over 30 ideas for engaging children in drawing, focusing on the process or joy of drawing, and not the results. The book is directed towards an adult leading children in drawing exercises (perfect for homeschoolers), but I really like that she cautions against giving too much instruction, because the goal is experimentation.
Here’s a few sample projects from the book:
Backwards Forwards Sketching
I confess I’ve never heard of this warm up exercise, but I LOVE this idea because it allows children to “feel out” the object by drawing. By moving the pencil forwards and backwards, they can refine the subject as they focus and work out the shapes and proportions.
Thoughtful Mark Making
This project is a great way to teach the students to consider each mark they make; that each line they draw can be decorative as well as defining.
Drawing Feathers
Feathers are sometimes easily found in the garden or in the arts supply store. Each is unique and portable, and drawing one is also a lesson in creating texture.
Drawn and Collaged Birds
This is good extension of the Drawing Feathers project, asking artists to create a three-dimensional collage with the feathered doodles.
Perhaps the reason why the doodling projects in the book are so original is because Paula Brigg’s background is not in drawing, but in sculpture. Paula Briggs taught sculpture workshops in Cambridge, England before founding a UK charity AccessArt, which inspires art teaching and learning, providing artist-led resources for educators. Her teaching experience is evident in her book in the direction, instruction, and array of activities.
She offers a different approach, which I find refreshing, and a perfect starting point for anyone wanting to discover drawing. I highly recommend this book, Drawing Projects for Children by Paula Briggs, for everyone who wants to practice drawing. This book is destined to become a classic drawing resource.
Do you have a favorite drawing book?
All images courtesy of the author, Paula Briggs
