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 Insects with an H Pencil


Making a Stencil from a Picture


Drawing Shiny Cutlery with Charcoal


Withy Sculptures


Making Insect Sculptures

See This Resource Used In Schools…

Wire Insect by Clare Boreham
Wire Insect by Clare Boreham
Wire Insect by Clare Boreham
Wire Insect by Clare Boreham


Making a Festival Feast from Modroc

See This Resource Used In Schools…

Year 4, Balgowan Primary in Beckenham
Year 4, Balgowan Primary in Beckenham
Year 4, Balgowan Primary in Beckenham
Year 4, Balgowan Primary in Beckenham
Brooklands Community Special School
Brooklands Community Special School
Brooklands Community Special School
Brooklands Community Special School

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Claes Oldeburg Sculptures https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rHKorwuxco&t=36s

Talking Points: Nicole Dyer

Cupcake Sculpture by Nicole Dyer

Talking Points: Lucia Hierro

@Fountainhead: Lucia Hierro https://vimeo.com/185142596

Drawing source material: Food

Drawing Source Material Food


Making a Marionette

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How to Use Modroc

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This is featured in the 'Using Art To Explore Global Issue' pathway

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Drawing feathers

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session recording: exploring modroc

Completed modroc sculpture