Some Observations on Drawing from Observation

 

One of the characteristics I like about the student-centered Reggio-Emilia approach to art education is the emphasis on drawing from observation, especially at the elementary level. I believe everyone can learn to draw better and drawing from observation helps one look carefully at the world.

Looking through some old flash drives, I came across these images today. I would have my fourth graders bring their backpacks to art at the beginning of the year and we would first talk about why they chose the ones they did and how their choices were influenced by visual culture. Then each student would draw his/her pack on 9"x12" white paper in pencil. They would then outline them in permanent black marker and add color with an interesting technique that I like.

This tie dye effect is created by laying torn pieces of bleeding tissue paper over the drawings and then wetting them with water and a brush. They are left to dry in place (they fall off as they dry); leaving this effect. Of course, you could do this with a drawing of any subject, but my students always were interesting in drawing their own backpacks. (I saved the tissue paper pieces to use in other collages.)

 

 

 

The enduring idea in this lesson considers how aesthetic choices students make are influenced by their visual culture. Though this lesson also involves the use of line and mixing colors, to me, that  is secondary to the enduring idea. What do you think?