#046 Line Drawing | The Edge
DRAWING REFERENCE: gift bag
YOU'LL NEED: drawing paper 9x12 or copy paper, pencil, eraser, paper bag and bow
Hi and Welcome!
This lesson is the beginning of a fun drawing journey for kids, teens, and anyone who wants to learn how to draw. Every great drawing, painting, or artwork starts with simple lines. Learning how to draw those first lines is one of the most important skills an artist can have.
In this lesson, you'll learn how artists look carefully at an object and draw what they see. You'll use a real gift bag as your drawing reference and practice creating a line drawing step by step.
Don't worry about making it perfect. The goal is to observe, practice, and have fun!
What You'll Discover
1. The Edge Is Where We Start
Artists often begin by looking at the outside edge, or outline, of an object. The edge helps us understand the shape we are drawing.
2. Why Staying in One Spot Helps
When drawing from a real object, it's important to stay in the same position. If you move around, the object will look different and its shapes may change.
3. How Your Hand Makes Big Lines
You'll practice moving your whole hand and arm to create smooth, confident lines instead of tiny, scratchy marks.
Why This Matters
These skills help artists of all ages learn how to see shapes, edges, and lines more clearly. As you practice, you'll notice that objects can look different depending on where you view them from. Learning to observe carefully is one of the most important parts of drawing.
Enjoy this short 5-minute lesson and make a drawing! Look carefully at your gift bag, draw what you see, and have fun discovering how artists turn simple lines into amazing pictures.
Happy Drawing!
— Brenda Ellis Abbey
If you want more advanced drawing, painting, and sculpture lessons, check out our art books for Preschool through High School ages.
