Draw ANYTHING
Draw anything you imagine using simple shapes, lines, and colors; practice observation, composition, and shading to express ideas and build drawing skills.
About this tutorial
Draw anything you imagine using simple shapes, lines, and colors; practice observation, composition, and shading to express ideas and build drawing skills.
What you need
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Choose a comfortable spot to sit where you can spread out your paper and supplies.
- 2
Step 2
Place your paper flat in front of you and put your pencil and eraser next to it.
- 3
Step 3
Think of one thing you want to draw and picture it clearly in your mind.
- 4
Step 4
Lightly sketch simple shapes to map the main parts of your idea.
- 5
Step 5
Turn the simple shapes into clearer outlines of the objects by drawing over them with smoother lines.
- 6
Step 6
Add small details like eyes textures buttons windows or leaves to make your picture interesting.
- 7
Step 7
Decide where the light is coming from and draw a small arrow outside your picture to mark it.
- 8
Step 8
Shade the areas that are away from the light using gentle pencil strokes to create shadows.
- 9
Step 9
Use a tissue or your finger to softly blend the shaded areas for smoother tones.
- 10
Step 10
Erase any extra guide lines so your drawing looks clean and neat.
- 11
Step 11
Color your picture using light and dark tones to make it bright and lively.
- 12
Step 12
Write your name and the date in a corner so everyone knows you made it.
- 13
Step 13
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you do the Draw ANYTHING activity?
Start by asking your child to imagine something simpleâan animal, scene, or object. Encourage them to break the idea into basic shapes (circles, squares, triangles) and lightly sketch those shapes. Add defining lines, details, and texture, then layer color and shading to show light and depth. Prompt observation (where is the light? What shapes make the face?), praise effort, and let them refine or erase mistakes as they go.
What materials do I need for Draw ANYTHING?
You only need basic supplies: paper or a sketchbook, HB pencil, eraser, sharpener, and colored pencils or crayons. Optional extras: markers, watercolor or pastels for color experiments, a blending stump or tissue for soft shading, and reference photos or objects to observe. Keep a flat surface and a cup for water if using paint. Use washable materials for younger kids to minimize mess.
What ages is Draw ANYTHING suitable for?
This activity suits a wide range: toddlers (2â4) explore marks and simple shapes with help; preschoolers (4â6) can copy basic shapes and combine them into recognizable forms; school-age kids (7â12) practice composition, observation, and shading. Adjust complexity and supervision: offer prompts and large tools for little ones, and introduce perspective or reference study for older children to build skills gradually.
What are the benefits and variations of Draw ANYTHING?
Drawing freely boosts creativity, fine motor control, visual observation, problem-solving, and confidence. It also helps emotional expression and planning skills. Variations: timed quick-draw prompts, themed challenges (space, animals), collaborative family murals, mirror-drawing, or limiting tools (one color or only shapes). Swap materialsâchalk, charcoal, or digital appsâto explore texture and technique while keeping it playful and low-pressure.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
I donât have a pencil, eraser, or tissueâwhat can I use instead?
Use a ballpoint pen or colored pencil to sketch if you lack a pencil, a piece of white vinyl or the sticky side of tape for small corrections if you don't have an eraser, and a cotton swab or your fingertip to softly blend shaded areas instead of a tissue.
My simple shapes look wrong when I try to turn them into outlinesâhow can I fix that?
Lightly erase only the mismatched guide lines and redraw smoother outlines over the remaining shapes while holding your pencil at an angle for confident curves so the final outline matches the intended form before adding details.
How can I adapt the activity for a 3-year-old, a 7-year-old, and a 12-year-old?
For a 3-year-old provide large crayons and pre-drawn simple shapes to color in, for a 7-year-old encourage them to lightly sketch shapes and add small details like eyes or leaves, and for a 12-year-old ask them to mark the light direction with an arrow, practice blended shading, and refine textures before coloring.
What are some ways to enhance or personalize the finished drawing?
Create a series showing the same subject under different light directions to practice shading, glue textured paper or tissue accents when coloring, mount the completed drawing on colored cardstock after erasing guide lines, and add a title with your name and date before sharing on DIY.org.