Drawing is a medium that can be one of the most intimidating as an adult, but also one of the easiest access points for children to start learning visual art. At the earliest stages, a child uses uncontrolled markings exhibitng little control over motor activity. The mark making demonstrates an awareness and enjoyment of kinesthetic movements. At the pre-elementary age children develop an awareness of how basic objects can be broken down into shapes. They can begin to arrange circles and lines which show the first indication of representing animals and humans. As children grow, the desire to depict things as “real” becomes more important. The later years of childhood to adulthood is marked by the ability to depict the world around us in a more cultivated and acute way.

In my teaching, I modify my instruction at every level of mark making. I believe fostering imagination and encouraging a creative form of expression is moumental in a child’s development. Nurturing the “fantasy,” not confined by limits or hesitation is an important skill and mindset that can be used in adulthood as well.

Drawing is the most practicable visual art form with the availbility of tools like crayons, colored pencils, lead pencils and markers. It should also be marked with the instruction and exposure of how to use other methods like cante, chalk pastel, charcoal, crayon or paint resist, glue, and pen and ink. These more advanced and uncustomary tools are ones I’ve found excite children the most!