With so many unique and elaborate art projects and drawing ideas on the internet, parents can feel overwhelmed, especially if they have kids who are not naturally drawn to artistic pursuits. Lately I have felt compelled to gather together easy drawing ideas to share with my kids. When life feels particularly hectic it is nice to calm down with some simple, meditative drawing ideas and activities like these I’m sharing with you today.
As you know, some time ago, my then-6 year old declared he “hated art”. I sneakily encouraged him to draw or scribble or make designs through projects like a making giant comic strip or simply sticking colored tape in his art journal. Throughout all of this I NEVER point out that he “was making art.” If he realized it was art he would reject the activity! I had to apply stealth art tactics!
The following ideas are incredibly easy, very simple drawing ideas for kids. I’ve separated them into two categories. The ideas in the first set use nothing but paper and drawing implement. The second group of art projects includes ideas that require a simple household item you are sure to have.
Easy Drawing Ideas with Just Pen and Paper:
Crayons, colored pencils, oil pastels, markers. Use whatever you have on hand! Add paper and a kid and voilá, you have art in the making.
Tracing the hand. He loved the sensory experience of outlining his hand with a pencil. And since it was an activity focused on him and his own body, it was enticing.
Zentangle inspired art journal page. This is one of my favorite drawing projects ever. I emphasized the total lack of rules and he loved it!
Single color drawing. Confining an art project to a single color took off a lot of the pressure and helped keep the focus on the process, not the result. I have lots of further ideas with different items, not just markers or crayons, so click on that link to learn more.
Draw from a new perspective. Switching things up perspective-wise can help keep things interesting and prompt artistic exploration.
Body tracing. Like the hand tracing, this art project was further proof of something every parent knows: kids love to focus on themselves!
Tandem Drawing. This two person drawing game could not be easier! And it is wonderful for connecting with your child in a relaxed atmosphere.
More ideas from other websites I love:
Mystery drawing game. This easy drawing idea is perfect for when kids have to hang around in waiting rooms! (Mama Smiles)
Scribble drawings (Craftwhack)
Shadow tracing (The Artful Parent) This project finishes up with watercolors, but that is optional.
Draw around a hole (The Artful Parent).
Drawing Ideas with a Easy To Find Item
Sometimes the introduction of an non-art item can stimulate the creative imagination and convince reluctant artists to try something new, even though it is a “dreaded art project.” Here are some of my favorite ideas that we have tried and enjoyed.
Art created from tracing the outlines of toy trains.
Colored dot prompt (JDaniel4’s Mom). This is so fun and is an extension project for the picture book, An Orange in January. Essentially, kids paste a large colored circle onto a paper and use it as a drawing prompt.
Drawing prompt with blocks (Learn with Play at Home). You can use blocks in different ways. As traceable objects, landscapes to be copied or as shape prompts.
Drawing with bunches (Learn with Play at Home) Bundle up a collection of same or differently colored markers with a rubber band! This is a great idea for kids (like mine) who like to “go against the rules.
Drawing prompt with LEGO (Kids Steam Lab). Everyone has LEGO! Use it to inspire art.
Draw on a map! (PickleBums) I absolutely love this idea. Get some old maps and let the kids go to town. Maybe it will inspire them to draw their own map from scratch!
More fun art projects:
:Donna says
There’s nothing like drawing tactically. It’s very freeing and expressive. I think that’s why they use it in therapy, especially for children. Great stuff, Erica 🙂
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks, Donna!
Becca says
Oh wow, thank you so much for this! I find that so many art ideas require materials that are so expensive in the UK, or rely too much on a beautiful finished product. I have absolutely no art skill whatsoever, but I adored “take a line for a walk” at primary school and – I confess – during my accountancy classes!
I love the idea that we can just sit together and do this – no mess, no fuss, no pressure. And it’s a great opportunity for a chat.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks for your comment. I agree, it is nice to have no fuss ideas. The “take a line for a walk” idea sounds great!