Sketchbooks for Kids

10 Ideas for Sketching

Kevin Wasden — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 05:46:16 GMT

1. Draw three pictures that tell a story without words. The first picture should represent the beginning. The second is the middle. And, the third is the end.

2. Have a friend pick any three animals, then create one imaginary animal using parts from the three real animals.

3. Design a mascot for your school or group. What would best represent you?

4. Find three small objects outdoors--such as a leaf, snail shell, flower, etc.--and draw them in your sketchbook.

5. If you could be an animal, what would you be and why? Can you draw one picture that answers both questions?

6. Visit a zoo, museum, or park. Sketch and write about what you see.

7. Draw a self-portrait, but instead of drawing a picture of yourself, pick three items you feel represent who you are and draw them instead.

8. Illustrate three emotions. How might you draw HAPPY? Or SAD? Or perhaps ANGRY?

9. Imagine you are a tourist in space. Draw three things you might see.

10. Pick your favorite joke and illustrate it.

Divergent Thinking and Sketching

Kevin Wasden — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 02:29:39 GMT

A vital part of creativity is divergent thinking. It simply means that there may be more than one answer for a single question.

A creative person is an individual who, when faced with a question, task, or problem, can conceive multiple solutions and pick the most effective course.

Sketchbooks can help an individual develop divergent thinking. And the process of learning it can be fun and playful.

All it requires is a "challenge" to begin.

Here are some sample challenges:

1. Draw three make-believe animals you wish you could have for a pet.

2. Draw three things you would like to do this weekend.

3. Draw three things that make you happy.

Remember, the challenges do not need to be complex, but they should be fun and should encourage the individual to seek multiple solutions.

And, in closing, please remember that a sketchbook should be a place where ideas can be expressed and explored without fear of criticism or undue restraints.

Happy drawing!

kevin

Sketching without fear

Kevin Wasden — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 05:28:27 GMT

A blank page can be intimidating.

I know some people take a look at a blank page and they don't want to begin for fear of making a mistake.

Well, your sketchbook should be one place where such fears are not allowed. In fact, it's a place where mistakes should be welcomed. In order for your creativity to grow, you have to permit yourself to try new things, and even to fail. In fact, mistakes can be the greatest teacher you'll ever have. Sometimes they may even reveal a technique or an idea you had never considered.

So, perhaps the first thing you should do in your sketchbook is write, in bold letters across the first page, "I love mistakes."

Then just let go, put pen or pencil to paper, and have fun.

Happy drawing!

kevin

Give a child a sketchbook

Kevin Wasden — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 18:25:50 GMT

As a professional artist, I rarely go anywhere without a sketchbook. Within its pages I can freely explore my ideas and observations. Many of those ideas later resurface as illustrations, comic books, sculptures, or stories.

But I believe a sketchbook can be of great value to anyone, not just visual artists. A sketchbook inspires creative thinking. It encourages imagination and observation and the refinement of ideas.

I have regularly given sketchbooks to my own children. They energetically fill the pages with images of superheroes and fantastic characters inspired by movies, books, and their own imagination. They draw depictions of their family, friends, and pets. Sometimes they draw from observation, recording leaves, trees, or a toy. They may not grow up to become artists, but they are on the road to becoming creative thinkers with the ability to tackle life's challenges in new and effective ways.

As a way to launch the Unlimited Palette cause on Razoo, I would like to encourage you to give a sketchbook to a child and help them discover their own creative potential.

Happy drawing!

-kevin