Observational Drawing and Painting
To develop observation skills and artistic techniques through drawing and painting from life.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Expressive Arts & Design
- Learning area: Expressive Arts and Design
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Observes closely before drawing
- Includes detail in artwork
- Uses colour purposefully
- Develops techniques over time
Materials
- Drawing materials (pencils, charcoal, pastels)
- Painting materials (watercolours, acrylics)
- Objects for observation (flowers, fruit, toys)
- Mirrors for self-portraits
Instructions
Begin by teaching children to really look. 'Before we draw, let's look very carefully. What shape is the apple? Is it perfectly round? What colours can you see—just red?' Slow observation improves representation.
Model looking and drawing together. 'I'm looking at the stem... it's brown and quite thin. I'm going to draw it here...' Think aloud about your process without prescribing theirs.
Teach specific techniques when children are ready. 'Watch how I mix a tiny bit of blue with the red to make a deeper colour for the shadow side of the apple.' Introduce skills at point of need.
Encourage multiple attempts without erasing. 'Let's try drawing it again on a new piece of paper. Artists often make many drawings of the same thing to improve!' Value practice.
Discuss children's work using artistic vocabulary. 'Tell me about your drawing. I can see you've shown the texture of the orange skin with all these little dots!' Name techniques they've used.
Display observational work with the objects drawn alongside. 'Here's Sophie's drawing of the sunflower, and here's the sunflower she was looking at!' Show the connection.