Using Grids

Materials | Step-by-Step | Extras

Materials

Age Range: 7+

Time to Complete: 25 minutes

Supplies Needed

Step-By-Step

Using grids to reproduce artwork is classic technique that allows artists to reliably change the size of artwork, like taking something from their sketchbook to a much larger canvas, or for a student to study the work of a master.

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1. Using your pencil and ruler, make marks at every inch on the top, bottom, and sides.

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2. Using your ruler, connect the lines horizontally and vertically. Your first grid is complete!

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3. On your second paper, take similar steps, increasing the line spacing from 1 inch to 1.5 inches.

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4. With your grids complete, it’s time to begin. Compare, square by square, your image to the drawing. This method, breaks the image down into manageable chunks of information, keeping the proportions consistent, and the artist from becoming overwhelmed.

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5. Take your time as you draw, comparing, block by block, your image to the sample image.

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6. After you have completed your sketch, move onto coloring. Do your best to match colors but do not be afraid to substitute in new colors. 

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7. Once complete, compare your sample image with your new drawing. 

Extras

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Did you know that grids are used by artists during the Via Arté Street Painting Festival every year?

Many artists bring copies of their planned images and make grids for themselves. Taking an image from a piece of paper, to an image that are feet across.

See more images at: viaartebakersfield.com