Drawing 3D Shape Segments Art Project for Kids • Kids Activities Blog

School-aged kids will practice drawing segments of 3D shapes in this fun project. This mess free technique can easily be used at home or in the classroom.

Exploring 3D shapes and Form

Artists use many techniques to create the illusion of 3D shapes. We will explore some of them in this project by using curved lines along with shadows and highlights. When kids understand lines and shading, they can draw a simple circle and then give it the appearance of a sphere. This element of art is known as “form.”

Painters create the appearance of form on a flat surface by using light, shadow, the appearance of an object’s contours, negative space, and the surrounding objects around the subject matter.

MasterClass

Related: Practice drawing four 3D shapes using curved lines.

Supplies Needed to Draw This 3D Shape Segments Art Project

• White Paper
• Pencil
• Permanent Marker
• Crayons or Colored Pencils

Directions to Drawing 3D Shape Segments

Step 1

First, use a pencil to lightly sketch an outline of a basic curved 3D shape such as a cone, sphere, or cylinder.

Step 2

Next, draw an even number of curved lines on the side of the shape to begin creating segments. These lines should follow the same curve as the outline of the shape.

Step 3

Next, erase the sides of the shape between segment lines drawn in previous step.

Step 4

Use a pencil to lightly sketch lines on the top of each “cut” segment of the shape. These lines should curve in the opposite direction of the lines drawn previously.

Step 5

Then, trace sketch using a permanent marker. Erase unwanted pencil lines.

Step 6

Next, use crayons or colored pencils to add shadows and highlights to your shapes. To do this, color from the outer edge of your shape towards the center. Lift the crayon as it moves towards the center of the shape to create a gradient effect. Coloring in this way will place shadows on the outside of your shape (where the color is heaviest) and leave highlights towards the middle (where there is no color). Continue this method to layer color and create darker shadows.

Step 7

Finally, color the top of each “cut” segment of the shape.

Finished 3D Shape Segments Art Project

I think our shape segments turned out great by simply using a few basic drawing and shading techniques! Since these projects are made on paper, they can easily be framed, clipped, or displayed in your preferred style. 

Our Experience Making this 3D Shape Segments Art Project

I love the possibilities that this project brings about for kids and their drawing skills! Kids have now been introduced to drawing curved lines to create shape and form, meaning they can apply this technique to future creations. Also, they can continue to practice with shadows and highlights to add even more details to their work.

Drawing 3D Shape Segments Art Variations

• Complete project using other mediums such as graphite, pastels, or acrylic paints.
• Explore drawing various shapes and segments to further practice this technique.

Other Fun Form Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog

Did your kids enjoy creating shape segments using this project? What shapes and colors did they choose to use?