Middle School

We can learn more about the world around us when we look closely and observe.

How can drawing from observation help us to become better artists?

Students will create an observational drawing of their shoe by using line, repetition, and pattern.

• white drawing paper
• pencils
• fine-tipped black permanent markers
• colored pencils
• glue sticks
• colored construction paper
• slideshow presentation with examples of the elements of art

Step 1
Open the lesson by prompting the Big Idea and Essential Question, allowing for student discourse.

Step 2
Using a slideshow presentation, show and review the elements of art and ask students to identify the element shown in each image.

Step 3
Next, introduce contemporary artist Gorden Smedt and his artwork. Ask students to look closely at his paintings of inanimate objects such as shoes and clothing. After, demonstrate how to draw a shoe from observation on white paper.

Step 4
Have students return to their seats and use one of their own shoes to draw. Circle around the room and give feedback.

Step 5
If time permits, students may trace drawings with black permanent marker, add colored pencil, and glue their finished drawings to a construction paper background.

Did students draw their shoe from observation? Did they identify the elements of art during the early discussion? Did they take their time and refine their work?

Emily Thaler is an art teacher at Bannockburn Elementary School in Bethesda, Maryland.