Over the past several years, the author has worked to find practical ways to bring awareness of the content for study in art to students at all levels. This article focuses on one such practical approach for teaching students about the elements and principles as they apply to a single work of art, and for developing technical skills for creating these effects. It is called a "six-phase drawing." The author has tried this approach with students ranging in age from fourth grade to college level. He finds it very successful in all instances. In addition, students discuss ideas for drawing and learn to make choices based on the visual qualities inherent in the idea.