Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

“I can’t draw!" Building confidence through drawing techniques

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can use a variety of drawing techniques to create different art works.

Key learning points

  1. Drawing can be a range of things, from creating replicas to exploring a variety of techniques.
  2. We can build confidence in drawing by experimenting with different techniques.
  3. Drawing with machines or objects removes control from the artist and records marks which are unexpected.
  4. One of the most important aspects of art making and learning is that it is fun!

Keywords

  • Experimental - exploring unusual ideas, materials, or techniques without worrying about rules or the outcome

  • Replica - an exact or very close copy of something. It’s made to look just like the original object or artwork

  • Technique - a method an artist uses to explore drawing in different ways

Common misconception

Drawing has to be a replica of what is being looked at.

Drawing can be detailed and replicate an object, but it can also be many other things. Artists often play with techniques and process to try out different ways of exploring drawing and this can lead to experimental and exciting discoveries.

Teacher tip

Consider the materials to be used for the drawing machines and try beforehand to make this part of the lesson manageable.

Equipment

Pencils, paper, ink and various materials for the drawing machines.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Lesson video

Loading...

Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
What are the elements of art?

the editing process in art
Correct answer: the building blocks of art
the finishing process in art
the materials used in art
the techniques used in art

Q2.
Artists use the elements of art to communicate meaning.

Correct answer: True
False

Q3.
Artists use creative skills and their to explore feelings, observations and expression through various processes.

Correct Answer: imagination

Q4.
Some artists explore feelings, emotions and observations with other artists.

individually
Correct answer: collaboratively
independently

Q5.
What was one of the earliest forms of collaborative art?

mosaics
relief carvings
Correct answer: cave art
jewellery design

Q6.
The role of the artist is to depict exactly what they see in front of them.

True
Correct answer: False

5 Questions

Q1.
Why do artists develop different techniques when drawing?

Correct answer: to be experimental and find inspiration
to prove they can draw realistically
Correct answer: to share a particular idea or viewpoint
Correct answer: to develop personal style

Q2.
How might an artist remove control in their drawing?

Correct answer: Use ink and a straw.
Correct answer: Use a non-dominant hand.
Use a 4B pencil.
Look carefully at the object or subject.
Correct answer: Use a pen attached to string.

Q3.
Which ways of drawing can be experimental?

Correct answer: continuous line drawing
Correct answer: non-dominant hand drawing
Correct answer: blind contour drawing
Correct answer: drawing with a machine
drawing a replica

Q4.
What does it mean to be experimental?

Correct Answer: exploring unusual techniques, not worrying about rules, Trying out different things, Trying new things, Breaking the rules

Q5.
What is the term for when your drawing is an exact or very close copy of something?

gestural
expressive
Correct answer: replica
symbolic
technique

To help you plan your 7 art and design lesson on: “I can’t draw!" Building confidence through drawing techniques, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...