In this chapter, I invite you to explore the joy of drawing with the children in your life through a step-by-step workshop designed by the talented Graham Braddock. As we embark on this artistic journey, we'll start by drawing a small square in the middle of your page. This simple step is crucial as it helps us find the center point for our drawing. By adding a light vertical line through the middle of the square, we establish the vertical alignment, and a light horizontal line provides the horizontal guide. These lines intersect at a small mark, which becomes the center of our subject, whether it's a playful kitten or another delightful figure. This approach not only aids in positioning the subject accurately but also builds a strong foundation for the entire drawing. I believe that by mastering these fundamentals, you'll unlock a rewarding creative process that brings immense satisfaction and joy, both for you and the young artists you inspire.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
Draw a small square in the middle of your page. This will help you find the center point for your drawing.
Divide the Page Vertically
Draw a light vertical line through the middle of the square. This line will guide the vertical alignment of your drawing.
Divide the Page Horizontally
Draw a light horizontal line through the middle of the square. This line will guide the horizontal alignment of your drawing.
Identify the Center of Your Subject
Make a small mark at the intersection of the vertical and horizontal lines. This mark represents the center of your subject, such as a kitten, and helps in positioning it accurately on the page.
Pro tipUse light lines to divide the page, making it easier to adjust your drawing later.
Embark on your drawing journey by setting up a structured framework on your page. Begin with a small square to find the center, and use light vertical and horizontal lines to guide your drawing's alignment. This foundational step ensures your subject, like a kitten, is positioned accurately and proportionately.
As you move forward, focus on capturing the kitten's overall body shape and proportions. Use the head height as a unit of measurement to maintain accurate proportions, and sketch the body, head, and ears with attention to their angles and shapes. Lightly draw the kitten's features, ensuring the head is circular and the ears are slightly wider than the head.
Bring your drawing to life by adding texture and details. Use small, furry lines to create the appearance of fur, and vary the pressure of your pencil to distinguish between light and dark areas. Add shadows and reflections to enhance depth and realism, and don't forget to include sparkles in the eyes for a lively touch. With these techniques, your drawing will capture the essence of the kitten in a dynamic and engaging way.
Points to remember
Use light lines to divide the page for easy adjustments.
Position elements using your fingers as a guide.
Capture the overall shape of the body to guide the drawing.
Use head height as a unit to gauge proportions.
Ensure the top of the ears follows the reference line angle.
Keep lines light for easy adjustments of features.
Press harder for darker fur areas to create shadows.
Use the side of the pencil for soft shadows and the point for details.
