Freehand sketching is one of the most important and commonly used methods of generating and sharing budding ideas during the conceptual development portion of the preliminary phase of design. To develop one's skills, prolonged practice, acquiring instant feedback and suggestions while practicing are invaluable. The two key and indispensable parts…

In a theoretical and philosophical discussion, the author examines the results of two drawing exercises he used with elementary students. Exercise One, "blind contour" drawing from life, was based on child-centered art learning theory. Exercise Two, copying an artwork, emphasized the learning of graphic conventions and cultural forms. (SJL)

This study of third graders examined the relative effects, under two conditions each, of two teaching methods: modeling of the contour drawing process and presentation of predrawn examples. Analysis of children's posttest drawings for visual information content indicated that predrawn examples were more effective than modeling as a teaching…

To study the development of artistry across media, 45 kindergarten, first, and third grade children were given tasks in the media of drawing, clay, and storytelling. The tasks included spontaneous production, completion of a work, assembly of a work from numerous component parts, and copying a completed work. The spontaneous tasks were repeated…