Drawing portraits using the Grid Method

Seventh Graders have been working on self portraits in art for the past several classes using the Grid Method, a popular drawing tool for the newbie artist. The way this works is that you draw even squares (a grid) all over the picture you want to copy (in this case, a photo taken of the students on day 1), and then put corresponding squares on your paper, creating a little "map" that breaks down the picture into smaller segments. You then copy what is in each square, individually.

Using this method, you are more apt to get things placed in the right spot, and in proportion. You accurately draw what you see rather than worrying that you are drawing a nose, a mouth, a chin, etc. This method can be very encouraging to the newbie artist, but should not be your 'final destination'... This will help train your eye further to draw what you see FREEHAND FROM LIFE (which is our ultimate goal and is something we will practice throughout the year!).

Here are some photos of seventh graders working on their portraits this morning. After drawing their faces using the grid method, students erased their grid lines and began shading their drawings freehand using their photo as a reference as well as looking in a mirror: