Study an Object, Then Draw It From Memory
Examine a small object carefully, study its shapes and details, then draw it from memory to improve observation and recall skills.
About this tutorial
Examine a small object carefully, study its shapes and details, then draw it from memory to improve observation and recall skills.
What you need
Instructions
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Step 1
Gather your materials.
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Step 2
Choose one small object to study.
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Step 3
Place the object on a plain background on your flat surface.
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Step 4
Set a timer for 90 seconds.
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Step 5
Study the object carefully until the timer rings.
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Step 6
Notice the object’s overall shape while you look.
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Step 7
Notice the main parts and where they sit on the object.
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Step 8
Notice textures colours and any small marks on the object.
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Step 9
Hide the object so you cannot see it anymore.
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Step 10
Put your paper and pencil in front of you.
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Step 11
Draw the object’s outline from memory on the paper.
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Step 12
Add the main parts and small details to your drawing.
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Step 13
Colour or shade your drawing with your colouring materials.
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Step 14
Place the real object beside your drawing compare them and make one improvement.
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Step 15
Share your finished drawing on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I do the study-and-draw-from-memory activity with my child?
To run the activity, pick a small, interesting object and let your child study it quietly for 20–60 seconds without tracing or touching. Remove or cover the object, then ask them to draw it from memory on a sheet of paper. After drawing, place the object back and compare details—talk about shapes, sizes, and missing parts. Repeat with different objects, increasing viewing time or detail as skills improve, and keep feedback positive.
What materials do I need for the observation and memory drawing activity?
You'll need a collection of small, safe objects (toy animals, shells, leaves, coins), plain paper or a sketchbook, pencils and eraser, and a timer or clock. Optional supplies: colored pencils or markers, a clipboard for firm drawing surface, magnifying glass for detail work, and a tray to hold objects. Choose non-toxic, age-appropriate items and avoid anything with small parts for young children.
What ages is this study-and-draw-from-memory activity suitable for?
This activity suits preschoolers through school-age kids. Ages 3–5 benefit from very short looks and simple objects (blocks, big leaves). Ages 6–9 can handle longer study periods and more detailed objects (tools, toys), while 10+ can try timed challenges, multiple objects, or memory-comparison tasks. Adapt instructions, viewing time, and object complexity to each child's attention span and fine-motor skills.
What are the benefits, safety tips, and variations of the observation and memory drawing activity?
Benefits include sharper observation, stronger short-term visual memory, improved vocabulary, and fine motor practice from drawing. It builds attention, patience, and confidence when children notice details. Safety tip: avoid small or sharp objects for very young kids and supervise to prevent choking. Variations: blindfolded free-hand drawing, add a storytelling prompt about the object, use pairs for a "telephone drawing" comparison, or turn it into a timed challenge to increase difficulty.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
If I don't have a plain background, timer, or colouring pencils, what can I substitute?
Use a plain sheet of white paper or a solid-colored towel as the plain background, your phone or a kitchen timer for the 90 seconds, and crayons, markers, or even coloured pens instead of colouring pencils.
I couldn't remember important details after I hid the object—what can I do to improve my drawing?
During the 90-second study step, quietly name the object's main parts, colours, and any marks and lightly sketch the overall shape and main part positions on scrap paper before hiding the object so you can complete the outline from memory.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger children use a larger simple object, allow 2–3 minutes for the study step and let them trace the outline, while older kids can shorten the timer to 30–60 seconds, use multiple small objects, or add shading and texture challenges when colouring.
How could we extend or personalize the activity after finishing the first drawing?
After you place the real object beside your drawing and make one improvement as instructed, create a second version adding a background or different medium (watercolour or collage), draw the object from another angle, and then share the finished piece on DIY.org.