Make a blind drawing
Create a blind drawing by sketching an object without looking at your paper, then compare with the object and discuss observation and memory.
Step-by-step guide to make a blind drawing
Step 1
Pick one small object to draw and put it on a table in front of you.
Step 2
Sit down and place a clean sheet of paper and your pencil in front of you.
Step 3
Look at the object for 30 seconds and notice its big shapes and edges.
Step 4
Put on your blindfold so you cannot see the paper.
Step 5
Place your pencil tip on the paper where you want to start drawing.
Step 6
Draw the object while blindfolded for 45 seconds without looking at the paper.
Step 7
Stop drawing and set your pencil down when the time is up.
Step 8
Remove your blindfold so you can see your drawing.
Step 9
Put your drawing next to the real object so you can compare them.
Step 10
List three differences between your drawing and the object.
Step 11
Try the challenge again using a new object or your other hand to see if your drawing changes.
Step 12
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a blindfold, clean sheet of paper, or pencil?
Use an opaque scarf or sleep mask instead of a blindfold, a sheet of printer paper or the back of a cereal box in place of a clean sheet, and a washable marker or crayon if you don't have a pencil for the 'place a clean sheet of paper and your pencil in front of you' and 'put on your blindfold' steps.
My child keeps peeking or the paper keeps moving during the 45-second blind drawing — what should we do?
To stop peeking and paper movement during the 'draw the object while blindfolded for 45 seconds' step, tape the paper to the table, mark the start spot with a fingertip before putting on the blindfold, and use a snug sleep mask so they truly can't see the paper.
How can I adapt the activity for different ages?
For younger children shorten the 'look at the object' step to 10–15 seconds and the drawing time to 20–30 seconds and choose a large simple object, while older kids can increase the 30-second observation to 45 seconds, extend drawing time to 60 seconds, or repeat the 'try the challenge again using your other hand' step for more difficulty.
How can we extend or personalize the blind drawing activity after it's finished?
After you 'remove your blindfold' and 'put your drawing next to the real object,' enhance the activity by adding color, writing the 'list three differences' directly on the paper, creating a series with different objects or hands, and photographing the results to 'share your finished creation on DIY.org.'
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Facts about observational drawing and memory
⏱️ Short blind-drawing rounds (1–3 minutes) often reveal the biggest surprises between what you thought you saw and what you actually observed.
🖼️ Blind-contour drawing is a popular art exercise that helps artists train close observation by drawing without looking at the paper.
👁️ Kids (and many adults) tend to notice big shapes and proportions first — details usually come after you capture the overall form.
🎨 Many artists use quick gesture or blind sketches as warm-ups to loosen their hand and sharpen observation skills.
🧠 Sketching from memory lights up both visual and motor parts of the brain, helping you remember shapes and details better.
How do I do a blind drawing activity with my child?
What materials do I need for a blind drawing activity?
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What are the benefits of blind drawing for children?
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