Draw in 6 different styles - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Draw in 6 different styles

Draw the same picture in six different artistic styles (cartoon, realistic, silhouette, pattern, comic, abstract) to explore techniques and visual thinking.

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Step-by-step guide to draw the same picture in six different artistic styles

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Top 10 How To Draw Art Lessons From 2022 - Art For Kids Hub

What you need

Paper, pencil, eraser, black pen or marker, colouring materials (crayons markers colored pencils)

Step 1

Choose one simple subject to draw like a tree a cat an ice cream cone or a pair of sneakers.

Step 2

Draw six equal boxes on your paper to make six separate drawing spaces.

Step 3

Lightly pencil-sketch the same simple outline of your chosen subject once inside each of the six boxes.

Step 4

Draw the cartoon version in the first box using simple shapes big expressive features and a thick outline.

Step 5

Create the realistic version in the second box by adding correct proportions fine details and light shading.

Step 6

Make the silhouette in the third box by filling the entire outlined shape solid black.

Step 7

Turn the fourth box into a pattern version by filling the shape with repeating designs like dots stripes or zigzags.

Step 8

Draw the comic-style version in the fifth box using bold inked outlines action lines and a small speech or caption box.

Step 9

Make the abstract version in the sixth box by changing shapes altering proportions and using unexpected colors or fragments.

Step 10

Ink the pencil lines you want to keep by tracing them with your black pen or marker.

Step 11

Gently erase any remaining pencil marks that you do not want to show.

Step 12

Colour each of the six drawings using your colouring materials to finish each style.

Step 13

Share your finished six-style drawing project on DIY.org

Help!?

What can I use if I don't have a black pen or marker to ink the lines?

If you don't have a black pen or marker for the "Ink the pencil lines" step, use a dark graphite pencil, a fine-tip ballpoint or pigment liner, or carefully build up a bold outline with black colored pencil or crayon.

My ink keeps smudging when I try to erase—how do I avoid that?

To prevent smudging when you "Ink the pencil lines" and then "Gently erase any remaining pencil marks," let the ink dry completely for several minutes and erase lightly with a clean soft eraser or choose a quick-drying pigment pen.

How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?

For younger children, reduce to three boxes and pre-sketch the outline so they only finish the cartoon, silhouette, and pattern styles, while older kids can add detailed shading for the realistic box, complex patterns, and exaggerated distortions for the abstract box.

How can we extend or personalize the finished six-style drawing project?

After you "Colour each of the six drawings," personalize it by adding matching backgrounds for each style, experimenting with mixed media (watercolor washes or collage) in the pattern and abstract boxes, and then photograph the set to "Share your finished six-style drawing project on DIY.org."

Watch videos on how to draw the same picture in six different artistic styles

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Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Develop your OWN Art Style | And how to draw with it | Drawlikeasir

4 Videos

Facts about drawing techniques and art styles for kids

🎨 Practicing the same picture in different styles boosts creativity — artists often switch styles to spark new ideas.

🖍️ Cartoons use exaggeration and simple lines so a tiny change (like big eyes) can show a lot of emotion.

🕰️ Silhouette portraits were a popular, affordable form of portraiture in the 18th and 19th centuries before photos were common.

🔁 Patterns have been used in textiles and pottery for thousands of years to create rhythm and tell stories visually.

🧠 Drawing one subject six ways trains observation and flexible thinking — it’s like a workout for your visual problem-solving skills.

How do you draw the same picture in six different styles?

Start by choosing a simple subject (like a tree, cat, or house) and sketch a small reference. Divide a sheet into six boxes or use six pieces of paper. Label each box with a style: cartoon, realistic, silhouette, pattern, comic, abstract. Spend 10–20 minutes on each style, using different marks: bold lines for cartoons, shading for realistic, solid shapes for silhouettes, repeated motifs for patterns, panel storytelling for comics, and loose shapes/colors for abstract.

What materials do I need for the six-style drawing activity?

You only need basic materials: paper or a sketchbook, pencils and eraser, fine liners or black marker, colored pencils or markers, and a ruler to divide the page. Optional supplies: watercolor or gouache for abstract effects, tracing paper or a lightbox for tracing the same outline, patterned stamps or stencils, and reference images for each style. Keep a small tray for sharpening pencils and protecting surfaces.

What ages are suitable for this six-style drawing activity?

This activity suits a wide range: preschoolers (4–6) can try simple silhouettes and patterns with adult help. Elementary kids (7–9) can explore cartoon and comic styles with basic storytelling. Tweens and teens (10+) can practice realistic shading and abstract techniques. Adjust complexity, time limits, and materials to match the child’s patience and fine-motor skills; offer tracing or templates for younger children.

What are the benefits of drawing the same picture in six styles?

Doing the same subject in different styles builds observation, creative flexibility, and visual vocabulary. Kids learn how line, value, shape, and pattern change mood and meaning. It boosts problem-solving, confidence, and artistic risk-taking while improving fine motor control and composition skills. It’s also a great way to compare techniques, start discussions about art history, and create a mini portfolio showing progress over time.

Ready to create?

All Activities

Draw in 6 different styles

Draw the same picture in six different artistic styles (cartoon, realistic, silhouette, pattern, comic, abstract) to explore techniques and visual thinking.

Table of contents

Drawing Apps

Step-by-step guide to draw the same picture in six different artistic styles

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Top 10 How To Draw Art Lessons From 2022 - Art For Kids Hub

What you need

Paper, pencil, eraser, black pen or marker, colouring materials (crayons markers colored pencils)

Step 1

Choose one simple subject to draw like a tree a cat an ice cream cone or a pair of sneakers.

Step 2

Draw six equal boxes on your paper to make six separate drawing spaces.

Step 3

Lightly pencil-sketch the same simple outline of your chosen subject once inside each of the six boxes.

Step 4

Draw the cartoon version in the first box using simple shapes big expressive features and a thick outline.

Step 5

Create the realistic version in the second box by adding correct proportions fine details and light shading.

Step 6

Make the silhouette in the third box by filling the entire outlined shape solid black.

Step 7

Turn the fourth box into a pattern version by filling the shape with repeating designs like dots stripes or zigzags.

Step 8

Draw the comic-style version in the fifth box using bold inked outlines action lines and a small speech or caption box.

Step 9

Make the abstract version in the sixth box by changing shapes altering proportions and using unexpected colors or fragments.

Step 10

Ink the pencil lines you want to keep by tracing them with your black pen or marker.

Step 11

Gently erase any remaining pencil marks that you do not want to show.

Step 12

Colour each of the six drawings using your colouring materials to finish each style.

Step 13

Share your finished six-style drawing project on DIY.org

Help!?

What can I use if I don't have a black pen or marker to ink the lines?

My ink keeps smudging when I try to erase—how do I avoid that?

How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?

How can we extend or personalize the finished six-style drawing project?

Watch videos on how to draw the same picture in six different artistic styles

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Develop your OWN Art Style | And how to draw with it | Drawlikeasir

4 Videos

Facts about drawing techniques and art styles for kids

🎨 Practicing the same picture in different styles boosts creativity — artists often switch styles to spark new ideas.

🖍️ Cartoons use exaggeration and simple lines so a tiny change (like big eyes) can show a lot of emotion.

🕰️ Silhouette portraits were a popular, affordable form of portraiture in the 18th and 19th centuries before photos were common.

🔁 Patterns have been used in textiles and pottery for thousands of years to create rhythm and tell stories visually.

🧠 Drawing one subject six ways trains observation and flexible thinking — it’s like a workout for your visual problem-solving skills.