Everything Is Shapes: The Easiest Way to Teach Drawing
Everything is made of shapes. Teaching kids to see circles, squares and triangles inside objects is the easiest way to teach drawing.
The easiest way to teach drawing is to show kids that everything is made of shapes. A cat is circles and triangles, a robot is rectangles and circles, a house is a square and a triangle. Once kids see shapes inside objects, they can draw almost anything.
Many adults think drawing is a mysterious talent. In reality, most drawing starts with basic shapes.
The basic shapes
- Circles and ovals
- Squares and rectangles
- Triangles
- Lines and curves
Seeing shapes
Practise looking for shapes:
- A car: rectangles and circles.
- A bird: an oval body, a circle head, a triangle beak.
- A tree: a rectangle trunk, a cloud-shaped top.
Shape challenges
Shape Drawing Challenge flips the idea around: each page starts with one shape and lots of boxes, and kids turn that shape into many different things. It trains kids to see possibilities in every shape.
Shape drawing games
- Shape hunt. Find shapes around the house.
- Shape monster. Build a monster from random shapes.
- Shape animals. Draw animals using only circles.
- One-shape challenge. How many things can one triangle become?
Shapes in step-by-step lessons
Step-by-step lessons usually start with big shapes and add details. That is the shape method in action. See simple shapes drawing for kids.
Questions parents ask
Why is drawing with shapes easier?
Shapes break complex objects into simple parts, making drawing manageable for beginners.
What shapes should kids learn first for drawing?
Circles, ovals, squares, rectangles, triangles and lines.
What is a shape drawing challenge?
A drawing activity where kids turn one shape into many different characters or objects.
More in ways to learn to draw, or browse all 217 posts on the blog.
Keep reading
- Why Cartoon Drawing Is a Great Place to StartCartoon drawing is a great place for kids to start. It's simple, forgiving and expressive. Learn why cartoons build real drawing skills.
- Drawing From Real Life: An Observation StarterDrawing from real life teaches kids to really look. Try these observation drawing starters with pets, toys and household objects.
- How Many Minutes a Day Should Kids Draw?How many minutes a day should kids draw? A guide by age, with tips for building a sustainable habit that grows skills without burnout.
- Drawing Builds Vocabulary: Talk Through Every PictureDrawing gives kids something to talk about, and talking builds vocabulary. Learn how to turn every drawing into a rich conversation with your child.
