Shadow Drawing
Year Levels: Foundation – 2
with Tania Di Berardino
Click Here to download Lesson Plan
Overview
In this activity students will embrace experimentation and mark making, by taking advantage of a sunny day. Using basic skills in observation and tracing, students will use continuous line to follow a found shadow to complete a unique and interesting image. To extend their shadow drawings, students can introduce colour.
This is a great mark-making activity for all levels.
Vocabulary
Shadow, Sun, Trace, Image, Colour
Art Elements & Principles
Line, Shape, Colour, Pattern
Cross-Curriculum / Capabilities Links
Science, Geography
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Explore the natural environment.
- Make drawings of shadows using the continuous line method.
- Consider that shadows change depending on the position of the sun.
- Discuss the observable changes that occur in the sky and landscape daily, as well as seasonal changes that affect our everyday life.
Make
Create Artwork
Step 1: To begin, grab a piece of paper and a pencil.
Step 2: Go for a walk around the house, outside or in the garden and look for interesting shadows. You will be amazed at how the simplest things can cast fascinating shadows.
Step 3: Once you’ve spotted a shadow you would like to use, place your paper on the ground under the shadow or use tape to attach the paper to a wall.
Step 4: Trace out the shapes using your pencil, using continuous line. Try not to take your hand of the page. Once you’re happy with that first shadow, continue onto another. This art activity works especially well if you have a range of different shadow tracings on the one page.
So find as many shadows as you can!
Step 5: Finally, add colour to your shadow drawing. You might choose a range of your favourite colours or you may want to explore warm, cool, or even monochromatic colour schemes. The choice is yours.
Step 6: Display work by mounting or framing and exhibit with pride!
Discussion / Reflection
- What does ‘continuous drawing’ mean?
- What does monochromatic colour mean?
- Which art elements have been used?
- What mediums have been used?
- What techniques have been used?
- How does the shadow change depending on the position of sun?
Materials & Equipment
- Paper
- Pen or Pencil
- Masking Tape (optional)
- Colour Pencils
- and/or Paints & Brushes
- and/or Oil Pastels
Don’t have these materials at home?
Click Here to view recommended materials
Inspiration
Related Artwork, Links & Sources
Share Your Outcomes!
How did you go!? We’d love you to share your artwork with us on Facebook or Instagram!
#zartart
