Observational Shell Drawing – Exploring Line, Tone and Texture

This lesson is designed for KS3 / Year 7 students and introduces the fundamentals of observational drawing through the study of shells. Pupils learn how to draw from a real object rather than imagination, developing confidence and accuracy in their drawing skills.

Students explore a range of basic drawing techniques while practising key elements of art, including line, tone, texture, shape and form. The lesson encourages careful looking and observation, helping pupils understand how artists use different marks and techniques to show detail and surface texture.

Structured tasks support students in experimenting with line weight, shading, texture marks and contour lines, allowing them to build control and improve the quality of their drawings. The lesson is accessible for beginners, with opportunities to extend more confident pupils.

This resource works well as a standalone skills lesson or as part of a natural forms, drawing skills or foundations project at KS3. It is suitable for mixed-ability classes.

Skills developed:

Observational drawing from a real object

Exploring drawing techniques

Understanding the elements of art

Improving accuracy, detail and control

Building confidence in drawing