Middle School

The Essential Question
How can we enhance perspective studies with observational drawing?

Objective
Students will create a unique perspective drawing of a pet or animal.

Materials
drawing paper, pencils, charcoal or oil pastels, perspective photo of a pet or animal to show students

Procedures
1. Bring a unique perspective photo of a pet or animal to class. Share the photo and ask students what they see. Then ask them to determine the focus of the drawing.
2. Students draw the subject in the perspective shown in the photograph. First, they lightly sketch what is in the foreground. Then they add background sketching to emphasize depth.
3. Students add color to the pet or animal using charcoal or oil pastels. The background is left in pencil.

Assessment
Did students draw the perspective shown in the photograph?

Joy Mercer is an art teacher at Mt. Juliet Christian Academy in Lebanon, Tennessee.