The drawing surface
Consider using a vertical surface for students to draw on rather than desktops or the floor. The paper could be attached (taped) to a wall or cupboard, or easels used if available. This gives the advantage of students being able to stand back and look at their work in progress from a different point of view.
Drawing boards with bulldog clips can be used if drawing activities are out of doors. The boards can be cut from masonite or other scrap timber. Folders or sheets of heavy cardboard could also be used.
Collect a variety of unusual or non-traditional surfaces to be used for drawing on such as textured paper and cardboard, pieces of timber panelling, material, wallpaper, different coloured cardboard and paper, watercolour paper and corrugated cardboard.
Consider drawing on coloured surfaces. This may help provide dramatic contrasts in drawings. The background can also be left showing as highlights or shadows. The intense black of charcoal may be emphasised when it is used on coloured paper.
Drawing media
Collect different implements and materials that may be used for drawing such as: pencils, crayons, pastels, charcoal, sticks, quills, brushes, inks, sponges, toothbrushes, glue, fountain pens, felt tip pens, nibs, strips of cardboard, cotton wool, bamboo, wax, chalk, and leaves. If using pastels, use good quality watercolour or drawing paper, or coloured paper. If the paper is too smooth, the pastel may not draw effectively on the surface. Provide a variety of pencils from soft black leads to harder leads. Keep drawing materials in accessible containers such as old ice cream or margarine containers. Sort according to colour. Consider drawing with white pencils, chalks, crayons, and pastels on black and coloured paper.
Objects to draw
Collect a variety of interesting or unusual objects that could be used as subjects in still life compositions (e.g. teapots, flowers, vases, small statues, small pieces of machinery, clocks, crockery, toys, dolls, masks, shells, bottles).
Have a collection of dress-up clothes, props, hats etc for students to use when posing as a particular character.
Protecting drawings
Spray soft lead and charcoal drawings with fixative. Always spray in a well-ventilated area. Some types of hairspray can be used as a substitute for fixative. Test first as this can sometimes lead to a 'yellowing' of the work
Store drawings and paintings flat in individual or class folders Drawings may also be laminated or covered with clear contact.
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