School-aged kids will practice drawing dimension in this easy project. We’ve included a free printable to make this lesson easy for home or classroom use.
Space and Dimension
Artists create space and dimension in art through various methods. Today, we are practicing drawing dimension with a horizon line and adjusting object size to create that illusion of space. Objects closer to the horizon line will be drawn smaller, giving the viewer the impression that those objects are further away.
Related: Artists also use overlapping techniques to demonstrate space.
Supplies Needed to Make This Winter Drawing with Dimension Art Project
- Free Printable Santa Tab (Download Below) – Printed on Cardstock
- Cardstock
- Pencil
- Permanent Marker
- Coloring Medium – Crayons, Colored Pencils, Markers, etc.
- Scissors
- Ruler
Download the Santa Printable Here
Use this free printable to help kids easily create the moveable Santa portion of this project. The page includes a blank tab for kids that wish to draw their own tab design.
Directions to Make a Winter Drawing with Dimension
Step 1
First, on a blank piece or cardstock, use a ruler to draw a horizon line across the top portion of the page. This will also be the line that is later cut for the movable Santa tab.
Step 2
Next, use a pencil to draw a moon and mountains above the horizon line drawn in step 1.
Step 3
Starting at the bottom portion of the page, draw a curved line from one side of the page to the other. This will represent the first hill in our winter scene.
Step 4
Continue to draw curved lines, alternating sides, to fill the remainder of the page with hills.
Step 5
Next, add objects such as houses, trees, and snowmen into your winter scene. Objects that are drawn closest to the horizon line should be drawn smaller to give the illusion of space and dimension within the sketch. Objects near the bottom of the page should be drawn larger to appear closer to the viewer.
Step 6
Then, use a permanent marker to trace sketch. Erase any unwanted pencil lines.
Step 7
Add color to your winter drawing using crayons, colored pencils, or markers.
Step 8
Fold paper in half to easily begin cutting a slit along the horizon line. Unfold paper to continue cutting. Note: Do not cut line fully to the edge of the paper. If this is done accidentally, simply tape the cut portion of paper back onto the lower half.
Step 9
Carefully color and cut Santa tab from cardstock to keep tab portion connected to the sleigh and reindeer.
Step 10
Finally, slide the Santa tab into the slit where he and his reindeer can fly across the winter scene.
Finished Winter Drawing with dImension Art Project
I love how our winter drawings look! Since these projects are made on paper, they can easily be displayed along with your seasonal decorations.
Our Experience Making this Winter Drawing with Dimension Art Project
This is a great project to use as an introductory lesson for drawing dimension. Kids can easily create space and dimension without drawing complex guidelines that are generally found in more detailed perspective drawings.
Kids also love the interactive sliding Santa element in this project. This simple tab allows kids a chance to play with their art and let Santa’s sleigh fly over the scene they created. It’s always a joy watching kids play and learn at the same time!
Prep Time
5 minutes
Active Time
15 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Cost
$1
Materials
- Free Printable Santa Tab – Printed on Cardstock
- Cardstock
Tools
- Pencil
- Permanent Marker
- Coloring Medium – Crayons, Colored Pencils, Markers, etc.
- Scissors
- Ruler
Instructions
- On a blank piece or cardstock, use the ruler to draw a horizon line across the top portion of the page. This will also be the line that is later cut for the movable Santa tab.
- Use a pencil to draw a moon and mountains above the horizon line drawn in step 1.
- Starting at the bottom portion of the page, draw a curved line from one side of the page to the other. This will represent the first hill in our winter scene.
- Continue to draw curved lines, alternating sides, to fill the remainder of the page with hills.
- Add objects such as houses, trees, and snowmen into your winter scene. Objects that are drawn closest to the horizon line should be drawn smaller to give the illusion of space and dimension within the sketch. Objects near the bottom of the page should be drawn larger to appear closer to the viewer.
- Use a permanent marker to trace sketch. Erase any unwanted pencil lines.
- Add color to your winter drawing using crayons, colored pencils, or markers.
- Fold paper in half to easily begin cutting a slit along the horizon line. Unfold paper to continue cutting. Note: Do not cut line fully to the edge of the paper. If this is done accidentally, simply tape the cut portion of paper back onto the lower half.
- Carefully color and cut Santa tab from cardstock to keep tab portion connected to the sleigh and reindeer.
- Slide the Santa tab into the slit where he and his reindeer can fly across the winter scene.
Notes
Winter Drawing with Dimension Art Variations
- Use other mediums such as paints or pastels to complete the project.
- Use the blank tab on the free printable to adjust the theme to fit any season or holiday.
Winter Drawing with Dimension Art Variations
- Use other mediums such as paints or pastels to complete this project.
- Use the blank tab on the free printable to adjust the theme to fit any season or holiday.
Other Fun santa Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog
Did your kids enjoy creating this winter drawing with dimension? What details did they add to their winter scene?
