What is grid drawing? A beginner’s guide for kids, parents and teachers

Grid drawing is a way to copy a picture by dividing it into squares. You draw an empty grid with the same number of squares, then copy the picture one square at a time. Each square holds only a few simple lines, so a big, hard drawing becomes many small, easy ones. Kids from about 5 can do simple grids, and it’s especially popular with ages 7 to 12.

How grid drawing works

1. Start with a picture on a grid. Each square is numbered or lettered, like a map.
2. Find the same square on the empty grid. Top-left to top-left.
3. Look at just that one square. Where does the line enter? Where does it leave? Does it curve?
4. Copy those lines. Only what’s inside that square.
5. Move to the next square. Row by row.
6. Step back. When all the squares are done, the whole drawing appears.
7. Color it in.

Why it works

Most drawing mistakes come from proportion: a head too big, legs too short. A grid takes care of that, because each part has to fit in the right squares. It also trains kids to look closely at shapes and the spaces between them, which is the real skill behind realistic drawing.

What kids learn

• Observation: really looking at lines and shapes.
• Proportion: how big each part is compared with the rest.
• Focus: one square at a time is calm, absorbing work. See grid drawing for focus.
• Math: coordinates, rows and columns, scale. See grid drawing and math.
• Confidence: the results look impressive.

What age is grid drawing for?

Kids about 5 and up (grades K to 5) can do simple grid drawings with big squares and bold lines. From 7 or 8, kids enjoy more squares and more detail. Tweens and adults use grids for realistic drawing. See drawing for tweens.

Tips for beginners

• Use a pencil and draw lightly. Easy to fix.
• Cover the other squares. A piece of paper with a square cut out helps kids focus.
• Count carefully. Most mistakes come from copying into the wrong square.
• Look at where lines cross the edges. Halfway along? Near the corner?
• Don’t rush. It’s a puzzle, not a race.

A very old trick

Artists have used grids for thousands of years, from ancient Egypt to the Renaissance to modern muralists. Read grid drawing through history.

Make your own or use a book

You can draw a grid over any picture with a ruler (see how to make a drawing grid), or start with a Draw by Grid book where the grids are ready to go. Not sure if grid or step-by-step is better for your child? Read Draw by Grid vs How to Draw.

The book that helps

Every Draw by Grid book has a picture on a grid and an empty grid to copy it onto, with dozens of characters per book. Pick a theme your child loves.

Draw by Grid: Cute Cartoon AnimalsSee it on Amazon

Draw by Grid: Cartoon RobotsSee it on Amazon

Draw by Grid: Cartoon DinosaursSee it on Amazon

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