The use of non-traditional drawing techniques in fine arts lessons in elementary school

Updated: 11/29/2021

Non-traditional drawing techniques are increasingly entering our lives. They provide an opportunity to do interesting things and at the same time earn good money. It all depends on the goal that the creative person sets for himself. People are tired of traditional paintings; they want something new and original. I have compiled a review of the best non-traditional drawing techniques for adults and older children. I hope you find it useful.

Acrylic pouring technique

Description

This is an abstract painting with liquid acrylic on canvas, which is called Acrylic fluid art. Paints are diluted with water or a special solution so that they can flow freely over the paper. You can pre-mix several colors. If you add liquid PVA or car oil to acrylic, you will get additional effects.

Abstract fill with a shout

Beginners use the simplest technique. The canvas is tilted in different directions, liquid acrylic (approximately the consistency of shampoo) is freely poured over it.

Examples

The popularity of this method of drawing is explained by the lack of a unified technique (no matter how paradoxical it may sound). Each painting with liquid acrylic is unique; the filling cannot be repeated. The process of painting itself is reminiscent of psychological relaxation: the canvas will absorb everything that is in your soul. You let the paints flow freely across the paper, and you don’t know what will come out. And this is the main advantage of technology.

Acrylic pouring - sea and sand dunes

Acrylic pouring - river and sand

Abstract acrylic pouring in dark colors

What materials are needed

For successful creativity you will need:

• acrylic paints;
• thinner (the simplest is water);
• plastic cups and mixing sticks;
• canvases;
• gold leaf, car oil, glitter - to give additional effects;
• disposable towels, oilcloth, robe - for protection from paint.

The list of basic materials is elementary - canvas, acrylic paints and water. But even with such a minimal set the work turns out excellent!

Instructions

I recommend watching the video for beginners

The author mixes yellow paint in a plastic cup and dilutes it with an acrylic compound (40% liquid PVA glue + 60% water). The composition varies from artist to artist.

Similar actions are repeated three more times with different colors. Then the artist mixes the colors together and begins to create.

Drawing with a sponge and cotton swabs

Description

One of the most striking non-traditional techniques is painting with a sponge and cotton swabs. The results obtained using this technique can be called impressionistic painting. And everything is very simple.

A foam sponge is dipped into paint, then it is used to make prints that create texture on objects: tree crowns, animals, clouds.

Imitation of the painting “Starry Night” with cotton swabs

Or, as an option, paint is applied to a bunch of cotton swabs, and images are drawn point by point: spruce, teapot, rowan branches or lilac.

Drawing lilacs with cotton swabs (lesson for this painting)

Examples

It is convenient to use a sponge to convey the roughness of an image, fluffiness, and volume. Geometric shapes, such as squares, look great. It is best to use gouache.

Drawing a tree with a sponge

Cotton swabs work well for small round objects: dandelions, daisies, snowflakes.

Colored dandelion drawn with cotton swabs

What materials are needed

To successfully use this technique you will need:

• gouache or watercolor;
• glass of water;
• cotton buds;
• sponge or parts of a sponge.

Additionally, you can take a plate into which the paint will be poured, and paper napkins.

Videos and instructions

As examples, I will give video lessons that impressed me the most and which I really want to repeat.

Autumn tree with cotton swabs

In the video, the artist, after preparing the background, draws the outline of a tree and branches with a brush. Then he takes a bunch of cotton swabs, dips them in paint and makes a voluminous crown.

Multi-colored dandelions with cotton swabs

The author of this video tutorial promises that such a masterpiece can be completed in 5 minutes. And I willingly believe him! One of the main conditions is to choose the right color. Look at the beautiful shades of paint the artist uses. In this case, it is acrylic.

Standard gouache sets do not have such a variety of pigments and such delicate shades can hardly be achieved by mixing. Therefore, I advise you to still use acrylic paint.

First, the author uses a sponge to apply green paint in dotted movements, creating a gradient background. Then, using a bunch of cotton swabs, he draws dandelion caps and highlights on them. Finishes the work with a brush, drawing the stems of the flowers. And splashes a little yellow paint, imitating the movement of pollen in the sun.

Delicate lilac with cotton swabs

Another video from the same author. The technique is the same - the result is simply amazing. I’m sure after watching this tutorial, you will run for acrylic paint. I have already.

Landscape with a tree using a sponge

In this lesson, the main character is an ordinary sponge for washing dishes, and of course, paint.

The artist paints almost everything with a sponge, applying acrylic paint and a sheet of paper with dotted movements. He only paints the tree trunk with a brush.

Gorgeous lilac tree with sponge and chopsticks

In the next lesson, the author uses a sponge not for washing dishes, but for the bathroom. Using a wide brush, he paints the trunk of a tree, then, using dotted movements, applies lilac acrylic paint to the paper, forming the crown of the tree. Finish off the leaves with lighter highlights applied with cotton swabs. Creates shadows on the trunk using a brush as well. It turns out very beautiful! I advise everyone to try this!

Winter landscape with a sponge

Another example of a mesmerizing landscape, now winter, created using a foam sponge. Of course, small details will have to be applied with a brush, but this will not require any special skills.

The black and white palette makes the drawing very stylish, and the process of choosing paint is simple. Both gouache and acrylic are suitable.

Drawing with an iron sponge

Another very interesting way to create an original painting. Instead of a soft sponge, use an iron scrubber. Use point movements to change the texture of an already applied layer of paint or create a new color layer, as the author of the next lesson does.

In this case, the author first applies acrylic paints to the canvas, distributes them with a brush, and only then works with an iron sponge. The lesson is suitable for beginners, and its result can inspire everyone! Try it and you will definitely succeed.

Unconventional drawing in the second junior group

An unconventional way of drawing is, first of all, artistic effectiveness and unpredictability of the result. The technique includes unusual techniques for performing work that do not require special skills. This option can be reminiscent of an exciting activity that will allow kids to unleash their creative potential in a minimum amount of time. This method offers budding artists creative freedom.

An unconventional drawing method for younger children

For example, if a child smears his finger in paint and draws with it, or leaves his palm print on the drawing, the teacher will not punish him. The process is completed only by adding elements to obtain the desired result. Drawing turns into real fun.

What does the use of non-traditional techniques give to students?

Even at an early age, children want to reflect their impressions and explore the world around them through visual activities. Visualization of sensations helps them with this. Therefore, the child strives to make a drawing with one finger on the foggy glass.

Note! Some kids need a stick to draw pictures in the sand or chalk for the asphalt.

Existing non-traditional drawing techniques in kindergarten in the 2nd or 3rd junior group according to the Federal State Educational Standards method, which allow you to quickly see the results of your activities. This technique greatly simplifies the process when solving some teacher problems in methodological terms. Presentation of the drawing contributes to:

• development of creative abilities;
• formation of a non-trivial view of the world around us;
• nurturing independence.

The importance of classes

Even at 3 years old, children find it difficult to hold a brush in their hands. Not everyone is equally interested in visual arts. Therefore, in order to present your child with artistic creativity in all its glory, it is necessary to choose an appropriate theme. The drawing process must be turned into exciting entertainment. Teachers recommend conducting various experiments, for example, using unusual materials (leaves, sand, salt).

The use of alternative non-traditional drawing techniques for children aged 3-4 years has the following meaning:

• Full mental development of the child, increasing self-esteem, overcoming all fears.
• Development of abstract thinking.
• Formation of a holistic perception of the subject.
• Creating all kinds of conditions so that the baby can reveal his creative potential and freely express his individuality.
• Introducing children to the properties of various materials.
• Development of tactile sensations.

Water painting technique - ebru

Description

This technique was born in the East back in the 12th century. Its essence is as follows: special paints are placed on the water surface to create a film. The artist carefully mixes them in water, creating the intended composition. Then the image is transferred to the surface using paper or fabric.

Examples

First, a background is created - paints are randomly splashed across the surface. You can take several colors, but no more than three. Then a circle is drawn on the water, and with the help of tools it takes the desired shape. For beginners, I recommend starting with something simple – flowers or marine patterns.

Flower meadow using ebru technique

Frosty pattern using ebru technique

What materials are needed

Ready-made ebru kits are sold in stores. These include:

• paints with natural wax from astragalus nectar (a plant from the legume family);
• wooden brushes;
• thick cardboard or paper;
• thickener;

You can prepare all this yourself, but it’s easier to buy a ready-made kit. Additionally, paper napkins and a wide container for water will come in handy.

Instructions

A good video that explains in simple terms the technique of drawing ebru

Video lessons of drawing on water

I have selected 4 interesting video lessons.

How to draw a jellyfish using the ebru technique

Here the artist shows how to draw a jellyfish. The background is made with yellow paint. Blue paint is splattered into the top of the tray. It should be distributed evenly over the surface of the tray. Algae are drawn in green. The jellyfish will be red: dip the brush into the paint and make a circle in the water. Then a brush with orange paint is placed in the center of the red circle. With its help, the circle takes on the desired shape.

How to draw a turtle using the ebru technique

In this video the author draws a turtle

Here the background color is blue. The body of the turtle is made of red paint, the legs are orange.

Ebru - space

A fascinating and easy lesson. First, the artist applies paint using a pipette and splattered with a brush. Then he mixes them with an awl. You can also use the same brush. In order for the planets to look more realistic, after applying paint from a pipette, the author twists it in a spiral inside the resulting circle.

The picture is completed by splashing white paint - stars.

Ebru - tulip

This lesson for experienced artists is dedicated to drawing a tulip.

What is the essence of non-traditional drawing for children 4–5 years old?

Non-traditional drawing is a method of visual activity that is not based on the traditions of this type of creativity in terms of the choice of materials for applying paint, but uses cotton swabs, fingers, foam rubber, crumpled paper, etc.

In kindergarten, non-traditional drawing is notable for the fact that all (!) kids get different pictures. For children in the middle group, these techniques of visual creativity, first of all, stimulate the development of research abilities, as they open up wide scope for experiments: applying dyes to materials of natural origin, drawing through gauze, etc. In addition, non-traditional drawing:

• trains sensorimotor coordination and fine motor skills, which is a key factor in speech development;
• develops memory, attention;
• promotes the development of imaginative thinking;
• forms the prerequisites for harmonious social and communicative development - children in the process of work turn to each other and to adults, ask questions;
• develops aesthetic taste and ideas about harmony.

Non-traditional drawing in individual classes, as well as as a type of work in lessons of various educational areas in preschool educational institutions, helps solve the following problems:

• expand children's understanding of ways to depict objects;
• develop interest in teamwork;
• practice working with different materials - to realize a creative idea, children draw using cotton wool, palms, stamps, etc.;
• activate children's creative abilities and imagination;
• create an emotionally positive climate in the team (the children’s work looks like a game - to make the lawn more beautiful, they draw dandelions with a poke of a cotton swab, and using their fingers to depict raindrops, they say: “Rain, rain, drip-drip-drip”);
• develop self-confidence.

Non-traditional drawing classes create an atmosphere of goodwill in the team

Spray technique

Description

Another interesting unconventional drawing technique, although it requires a lot of additional materials. To prevent drops of paint from staining everything around, cover the surrounding surfaces with oilcloth. It is best to paint over a sink or bathtub.

The paint is mixed with water to the consistency of thick sour cream. The brush or toothbrush is wetted in water, and excess moisture is shaken off. Splashes cover individual areas of the canvas. If necessary, the position of the hand changes, and the paint is sprayed horizontally, vertically, etc. If you need to increase (decrease) the size of the drops, the bristles are brought closer (further away) from the paper.

Examples

Trees, leaves, the sun and other natural phenomena are produced interestingly using the “spray” technique.

tree created using the spray technique - lesson

You can use stencils, cover certain areas of the sheet with them, and cover the background with splashes of paint.

Autumn forest using spray technique

Instructions

Video lesson that can be used as instructions.

The author makes a spray with a workpiece that is pre-coated with acrylic varnish.

Video tutorials on painting using the spray technique

I have put together three video lessons on this drawing technique.

How to draw dandelions

A master class that beginners can take as a basis for drawing. The author sprays three tones of blue paint onto white paper. Then use a cotton pad to wipe away any excess drops in the middle of the pattern. The stems of the flower are already drawn in them with a brush.

How to draw winter

Great tutorial showing how to spray paint a snowy landscape.

Still life with flowers using spray painting

Master class on drawing a still life with flowers

It is carried out by two people - an adult and a child.

One stroke painting

Description

The “one stroke” decorative painting technique is very popular, which translated from English means “one stroke”. It was invented in Europe. Among the Slavs, this technique is known under the term “Khokhloma”. The upper part of the brush is dipped in paint of one color, the lower part in the second. In one motion, images of flowers, trees, and animals are applied. The meaning of the technique is a smooth transition from one color to another. This makes the image very bright and realistic.

Examples

As a basis, you can take a cardboard blank, for example, a flower. You need to paint it with a brush with a beveled edge; it is convenient for making halftones. By painting the petals one by one, you will end up with a wonderful bud.

Birds and portraits come out well with this technique. First, a blank is created on a sheet of white paper with a simple pencil. The brush is dipped in two paints and drawn over the surface of the drawing. It is important to tilt and rotate the brush correctly.

Blue firebird painted using the one stroke technique

Drawing a carnation using the one stroke technique

Blue flower using one stroke technique

What materials are needed

To successfully use this technique you will need:

• paints with an acrylic base of medium viscosity;
• synthetic brushes with smooth and beveled edges;
• container with water.

At first, you can use regular gouache.

Instructions

The technique of drawing with one stroke is shown in the video lesson

The artist teaches techniques for putting paints on a brush and two basic strokes.

The materials you will need are 1 paper plate, 1 flat brush, two colors of paint (white and green), paper towels and a glass of water.

Video lessons of drawing with one stroke

I chose two videos on the technique of drawing with one stroke.

Bud and rose in one stroke

Good master class for beginners

The artist dips the top of the brush in white paint and the bottom in burgundy. And he draws a flower on white paper.

Christmas tree in 2 minutes: draw with “one stroke”

In this lesson, the artist draws a New Year's tree.

Painting with foil

Description and examples

Another interesting unconventional drawing technique that has gained recognition among beginners and professional artists. And its meaning is simple. Take a small piece of foil from which a lump is formed. Then it is lowered. into paint and applied with dotted movements onto a sheet of paper or canvas.

There is another option when the paint is first applied in thick layers, and then it is shaded using crumpled foil.

Photo source - youtube.com

Typically, this technique uses acrylic paint or gouache. Landscapes are the best. A brush is used to work out small details.

The peculiarity of this technique is that the paint, under the influence of foil, acquires a heterogeneous texture and looks voluminous after drying.

Video tutorials on painting with foil

Here is a list of lessons that I found easy to review.

Moonlight night painted with foil

First, the author attaches a moon stencil (circle) to the paper to preserve a white background for it. Next, apply drops of paint around the moon. Using a wad of foil, shades the paint. The surface is textured. A lot of paint is applied and it takes the form of the curves of an improvised “brush”.

After the paint has dried, the artist begins to work with the texture of the moon, applying the paint in dotted movements.

Attention! To prevent layers of paint from mixing, you need to use different pieces of foil for different colors. For the background - one, for the moon - the second, and so on.

Smaller details, trees, a ballerina against the background of the moon are painted with a brush.

Spring bouquet painted with foil

And again my favorite lilac. In this lesson, the author mixes two painting techniques - sponge and foil. Using the first, the background is drawn, and using the second, the lilac. And this is justified. Flowers look voluminous against a shaded background. Their textures don't mix.

Winter night using foil painting technique

Romantic, atmospheric design, quite easy to reproduce.

Card file “Non-traditional drawing techniques”

"Palm drawing"

Method of obtaining an image: the child dips his palm in gouache (the entire brush) or paints it with a brush and makes an imprint on paper. They draw with both the right and left hands, painted in different colors. After work, wipe your hands with napkins, then the gouache is easily washed off.

“Imprint with cork or eraser stamps”

Method of obtaining an image: the child presses the cork to a stamp pad with paint and makes an impression on the paper. To obtain a different color, both the bowl and the stopper are changed.

"Stencil printing"

Method of obtaining an image: the child presses a signet or foam rubber swab onto a stamp pad with paint and applies an impression to the paper using a stencil. To change the color, take another swab and stencil.

"Imprint with crumpled paper"

Method of obtaining an image: the child presses crumpled paper (napkin) to a stamp pad with paint and makes an impression on the paper. To get a different color, both the saucer and the crumpled paper are changed.

"Leaf Prints"

Method of obtaining an image: the child covers a piece of wood with paints of different colors, then applies it with the painted side to the paper to make a print. Each time a new leaf is taken. The petioles of the leaves can be painted on with a brush.

"Foam drawings"

Method of obtaining an image: we make various small figures from foam rubber (you can simply dab it with foam rubber), and then attach them with a thin wire to a stick or pencil (not sharpened). The tool is already ready. Now you can dip it in paint and paint using stamps (all foam rubber, unlike cotton wool, washes well).

“We draw with glue and salt”

Method for obtaining an image: use PVA glue to draw a pattern on cardboard, for example, a flower or a vase. Place it in a baking dish and sprinkle well with salt. The shape is needed so as not to spill salt everywhere. After the glue has dried, shake off any excess grains. Dip the brush into the desired color. Gently touch the salt line and see the color flow along the outline. Use different colors in different parts of the drawing, they will blend very nicely in transitions. Fill in all the taped lines with color and leave to dry. It may take one or two days for it to dry completely.

“Drawing with soap bubbles”

Method of obtaining an image: shampoo or liquid soap is added to the water. Concentration is approximately 1:10. The proportion is not strict, but you shouldn’t go too far to the side. If the bubbles are intended for a small child, it is recommended to use tear-free baby shampoo. To make the bubbles large and not burst for a long time, add a little gelatin or glycerin to the water.

“Drawing with the bottom of a bottle”

Method of obtaining an image: first you need to dilute the gouache in a saucer, then start drawing. We lower the bottom of the bottle into a saucer with paint and apply an imprint to the paper. After drying, you can complete the drawing.

“Drawing with microbeads”

Method of obtaining an image: initially coat the image with PVA glue. Then sprinkle the image with microbeads.

“Drawing with cereals”

Method of obtaining an image: initially coat the image with PVA glue. Then sprinkle the image with any cereal (semolina, buckwheat, millet, rolled oats, rice).

"Stampography"

Method of obtaining an image: any shape (anything) is cut out from any material, for example, soft plastic or sponge. For greater convenience, you can glue the figure to a cork or pencil. First you need to dilute the gouache in a saucer, then we start drawing. We lower the stamp into a saucer of paint and apply an imprint to the paper.

“Draw with the edge of the palm”

Method of obtaining an image: in the middle of the sheet the child draws with the edge of his palm. It is dipped in paint and imprinted on paper as necessary for the design it represents. Then the paint is wiped off with a rag.

"Drawing with a fist"

Method of obtaining an image: the child dips his fist into the gouache or paints it with a brush and makes an imprint on paper. After work, wipe the fist with napkins, then the gouache is easily washed off.

"Drawing on Wet Paper"

There are a number of objects, subjects, images that are best drawn on damp paper. Clarity and vagueness are needed, for example, if a child wants to depict the following themes: “City in the fog,” “I had dreams,” “It’s raining,” “City at night,” “Flowers behind the curtain,” etc. You need to teach your preschooler to make the paper a little damp. If the paper is too wet, the drawing may not work. Therefore, it is recommended to soak a ball of cotton wool in clean water, squeeze it out and rub it either over the entire sheet of paper, or (if required) only over a separate part. And the paper is ready to produce unclear images.

“Poke with a hard semi-dry brush”

Method of obtaining an image: the child dips a brush into the gouache and hits the paper with it, even vertically. When working, the brush does not fall into the water. Thus, the entire sheet, outline or template is filled. The result is an imitation of the texture of a fluffy or prickly surface.

"Drawing with a fork"

Method of obtaining an image: first you need to dilute the gouache in a saucer, then start drawing. Place a fork in a saucer of paint and apply an imprint to the paper. After drying, you can complete the drawing.

"Spray"

Method of obtaining an image: the child picks up paint on a brush and hits the brush on the cardboard, which he holds above the paper. Then he paints the sheet with watercolors in one or more colors. Paint splashes onto the paper.

"Bitmap"

Method of obtaining an image: to implement it, you can take a felt-tip pen, a pencil, place it perpendicular to a white sheet of paper and start drawing. But the best thing to do is dotted drawings with paints. A cotton swab is dipped into thick paint. And then the principle of drawing dots is the same.

"Ordinary blotography"

Method of obtaining an image: the child scoops up gouache with a plastic spoon and pours it onto paper. The result is spots in a random order. Then the sheet is covered with another sheet and pressed (you can bend it in half, drip mascara on one half, and cover it with the other). Next, the top sheet is removed, the image is examined: it is determined what it looks like. The missing details are completed.

"Blotography with a tube"

Method of obtaining an image: the child scoops up paint with a plastic spoon, pours it onto the sheet, making a small spot (droplet). Then blow on the stain from a tube so that its end does not touch either the stain or the paper. If necessary, the procedure is repeated. The missing details are completed.

"Monotype"

Image acquisition method: This is one print. To make it, you need polyethylene or paper as a base for applying watercolor or gouache stains on them, then a clean sheet of paper is placed on top of the drawing, carefully ironed on top with your hand and removed. The result is a print that, just like a blot, can be completed.

"Foam impression"

Methods for obtaining an image: the child presses the foam onto a stamp pad with paint and makes an impression on the paper. To get a different color, change the bowls and foam.

"Wax crayons + watercolor"

Method of obtaining an image: the child draws with wax crayons on white paper. Then he paints the sheet with watercolors in one or more colors. The chalk drawing remains unpainted.

“Drawing with shaving foam”

Method for obtaining an image: beat the foam and collect it with a sponge. Now squeeze out the sponge so that the foam ends up in the paint container. Stir and use a brush to apply foam and paint onto the paper. When the drawing is dry, the excess foam can be blown off. To create the effect of using different shades of color, take shaving foam and gouache of the color you need. Mix shaving foam and paint in a bowl and apply it to the drawing with a brush.