4th grade kicks off the year learning how to draw Native Plants from visual references, using contour lines and visual texture. We developed our drawings in 3 stages...
Firstly, I demonstrated how to draw the "skeleton" of the plant they are drawing. This meant how to lay out the foundation using pencil, and drawing just the most basic of shapes that make up the parts of the plant. Keeping in mind to use the entire paper. It was a challenge, as many students wanted to get right into the nitty gritty textures.
The second stage was to "refine" their drawings. Double checking with their visual aides and looking for more specific contour lines - if the leaf of their plant has wavy or spiky contour lines. Also refining the interior contours and looking for visual texture.
Third stage was to go over it with black sharpie pens - they had the choice to use a thick and a thin Sharpie. These came out great - the confidence after this class was through the roof! Great way to start the year off "Yes! I CAN do this!"
