Grid Drawing


Minnesota 4-5 Visual Art Standards used in this Lesson:

  • 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of the arts area.
  • 1A. Describe the characteristics of the elements of visual art including color, line, shape, value, form, texture and space.

  • 1b. Describe how the principles of visual art such as repetition, pattern, emphasis, contrast and balance are used in the creation, presentation or response to visual artworks.

  • 1c. Identify characteristics of Western and non- Western styles, movements and genres in art.

  • 2. Demonstrate knowledge and use of the technical skills of the art form, integrating technology when applicable.
  • 2a. Describe the tools, materials and techniques used in a variety of two- and three-dimensional media such as drawing, printmaking, ceramics or sculpture.

  • 3. Demonstrate understanding of the personal, social, cultural and historical contexts that influence the arts areas.
  • 3a. Describe the personal, social, cultural, or historical contexts that influence the creation of visual artworks including the contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities.

  • 3b. Describe how visual art communicates meaning.
  • 4. Create or make in a variety of contexts in the arts area using the artistic foundations.
  • 4a. Create original two- and-three-dimensional artworks to express specific artistic ideas.
  • 4b. Revise artworks based on the feedback of others and self-reflection.
  • 5. Perform or present in a variety of contexts in the arts area using the artistic foundations.
  • 5a. Select and assemble artworks for a personal portfolio.
  • 5b. Revise a presentation based on the feedback of others and self-reflection.
  • 6. Respond to or critique a variety of creations and performances using the artistic foundations.
  • 6a. Justify personal interpretations and reactions to works of visual art.

    • Additional Tie-ins

  • Proportion
  • Coordinates
  • Intersecting lines

    • Students are given a page with a grid overlaying a simple cartoon character. The teacher uses a grid on the board to illustrate how to transfer the lines of the drawing onto the large grid by looking for where the cartoon's lines intersect the grid lines.

    Students follow along on their grid as the teacher draws on the board: First students number the vertical lines 1-4, and letter the horizontal lines A-G

    Next the teacher asks the students where the cartoon intersects line 3 at the top of the page. Dots are plotted along the lines until a large part of the form of the character has been plotted. Then the teacher demonstrates how to connect the dots with smooth flowing lines.

    After the practice done with the teacher, students are given a blank grid and can choose to draw one of 3 characters, Bob, Mickey, Hello Kitty, full body Mickey.

    As we did this many students commented that it was the best drawing they've ever done.