Draw a Dinosaur Upside Down! (Sketching to Activate the Right Side of the Brain)

The greatest artists are also the best observers. They are able to see details that most people miss and put these details into their work. That's why our observation skills, or the ability to identify details, is so important! In this class, students will activate the right side of the brain by drawing a cartoon dinosaur upside-down. And no, we won't be hanging upside down as we are drawing, although that would be fun! 
We will be using a picture of a cartoon dinosaur, and place this picture upside down, so that the bottom of the picture is at the top. The picture will be divided into horizontal sections, so students will uncover one section at a time and draw what they see on a separate piece of paper. This will enhance each student's ability to identify various details, lines, and shapes because rather than looking at the whole picture at once, their brain will have to focus on the details of each section. At the end when we flip our paper right-side-up, each learner will see how all the details they drew make up a dinosaur! 

Of course, perfection is not required! I will be drawing with my students and answering questions that they have along the way. I believe that art is about self-expression and learning, and I hope to create a fun, interactive environment where students can develop a love for art while building their confidence in a new skill. 

(Note: Please make sure your student has all of the needed materials ready for class, including a printed copy of the dinosaur reference picture that will be attached to the classroom page.)