Step-by-step painting guide

Real Drawing for Kids 2

A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson

From the online lesson Real Drawing for Kids 2 · Download the printable PDF

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.

See the full lesson
"Real Drawing for Kids 2" by Richard Robinson.
"Real Drawing for Kids 2" by Richard Robinson.

Step 2Determining the orientation and size

Step 2 — Determining the orientation and size (video frame from the lesson)

Determine Kitten's Position

Position the kitten about two to three fingers in from the top of your page. Ensure it's a bit more than one finger in from the bottom.

Set the Bottom Margin

Measure approximately three fingers up from the bottom of your page to set the lower boundary for the kitten's position.

Set the Top Margin

Measure about three fingers down from the top of your page to establish the highest point for the kitten.

Choose Paper Orientation

Use a portrait orientation for your paper, as the kitten is taller vertically than horizontally.

Pro tipUse your fingers as a guide to measure and position elements on the page.

Summary & key takeaways

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.