Beginner’s Guide to Drawing Materials

Providing pupils with access to a wide range of drawing materials is a vital part of teaching drawing.

In terms of progression, we would advise introducing the following materials over the course of a term or a year, but always remember to continually revisit the whole range of materials. As creative artists, we rarely “move” from one material to another because we have become “skilled” at one or the other – rather artists use the most appropriate medium with which to express themselves. For this reason it is vital that schools don’t see materials as a tool for progression. The youngest child and the oldest pupil should have equal access to these materials.

This resource provides a comprehensive list of appropriate drawing materials for primary and secondary school, together with links to suggested drawing activities.

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Drawing Inspired by Elements: Making Structure

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Nests: With Dry and Wet Material

A nest drawing using ink and oil pastel

Building Nests

Nest

Developing a Drawing Through Exploration of Drawing Media

Charcoal pencil


Drawing Inspired by Elements: Drawing Moving Water

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drawing pouring water

Drawing Pouring Water Inspired by Leonard Da Vinci

Our River – a Communal Drawing

Final touches to the river drawing

Painting a storm

Painting the Weather


Drawing Inspired by Elements: Drawing Fire

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Drawing flames

Drawing a flame

Candlelit Still Life

Still life elements in candle light - Exp teenagers - SC

Lightbulb Art

Drawing with Light - A workshop facilitated by Sharon Gale


Drawing Inspired by Elements: Hands Moving Charcoal Dust

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Introduction to Charcoal

Willow Charcoal Using the Side by Lancelot Richardson

charcoal cave

Rachel T charcoal cave adding scale figure

Expressive Charcoal Collage: Coal Mines

Ripped Charcoal Collage by Laura McKendry


Making a Blind Contour Drawing


Drawings with Mass: Potatoes, Playmobil and Henry Moore

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Pathway: Exploring Form Through Drawing

This is featured in the 'Exploring Form Through Drawing' pathway

This is featured in the ‘Exploring Form Through Drawing’ pathway

Water Soluble Felt-Tips With Complementary Colours

Continuous Line Drawing Of A Shell By Zoe Coughlan

Watercolour Washes Inspired by the Tapestries of Henry Moore

Curly kale watercolour study, by Kelly aged 7


Drawing Feathers: Perfect for Mark Making

See This Resources Used In Schools…

Year 1, Histon and Impington Brook Primary School
Year 1, Histon and Impington Brook Primary School
Year 1, Histon and Impington Brook Primary School
Year 1, Histon and Impington Brook Primary School
Year 1, Histon and Impington Brook Primary School
Year 1, Histon and Impington Brook Primary School
Year 1, Penny Kemp
Year 1, Penny Kemp
Year 1, Penny Kemp
Year 1, Rode Heath Primary School
Year 1, Rode Heath Primary School
Year 1, Rode Heath Primary School
Sarah Mackenzie, Year 1, St Hilary's School
Sarah Mackenzie, Year 1, St Hilary's School
Sarah Mackenzie, Year 1, St Hilary's School
Sarah Mackenzie, Year 1, St Hilary's School
Sarah Mackenzie, Year 1, St Hilary's School
Sarah Mackenzie, Year 1, St Hilary's School

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Pathway: Making Birds

Featured in the 'Making Birds Pathway'

Featured in the ‘Making Birds Pathway’

Talking Points: Inspired by Birds

Fulmar Petrel from Birds of America (1827) by John James Audubon


Making a Shy Drawing – Drawing Exercises for Beginners


Drawing Speed


Introduction to Composition in Drawing


Sketchbook Warm-Up by Jo Blaker

 


Sketchbook Journal Ideas


Turning Paper into Fur – Creative Drawing Prompts

See This Resource Used In Schools…

Year 2, Ruth at Carden Primary School
Year 2, Ruth at Carden Primary School
Year 2, Ruth at Carden Primary School
Year 2, Ruth at Carden Primary School
Year 2, Ruth at Carden Primary School
Year 2, Ruth at Carden Primary School

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Pathway: Making Birds

Featured in the 'Making Birds' pathway

Featured in the ‘Making Birds’ pathway


Gentle Eye Drawings – A Creative Drawing Exercise


Shy Drawing, Loud Drawing PDF Download


Draw PDF Download