I have the good fortune of owning an art studio for children and families on the east side of Los Angeles called Purple Twig. For several years prior to opening Purple Twig, I taught art to children in various art institutions around Los Angeles. Feeling stifled by the restrictions of allowed materials and projects, I created Purple Twig, a space where children can come together and explore materials as well as their own potential. We focus on an art-making process where children can find, express, and develop their own voice while learning the importance of technique and material use. This allows children more control over their artwork. I’m frequently asked about our drawing class curriculum and how we combine the process art philosophy with teaching drawing technique.

Mirroring the philosophy of our studio, Drawing Workshop for Children is a collection of drawing projects using a wide variety of drawing materials, including ink, watercolor, charcoal, and pencil, to allow for experimentation and exploration of both the materials and drawing techniques. Ranging from mark making to shadow, composition, and perspective, these activities are meant to create great drawing experiences where children can further their knowledge and skills. Drawing is such an incredible way for children to find their own creative voice. All one really needs is a pencil and paper. I propose drawing projects that embrace the simple pleasure of the paper and pencil while also introducing new materials to explore, offering children the opportunity to try out some new techniques.

This book is divided into two parts. Warm-Up Drawings are quick projects offered to loosen up and grow confidence. They usually take between 15 and 30 minutes to complete, depending on the child. These projects use fewer and simpler materials but can also be performed alone as a way to warm up to a child’s own creative drawing session. Drawing Workshops are longer, more involved, layered drawing projects, which may even take a few sessions to complete, lending themselves to the process of the making.

This book strives to inspire investigation in drawing and to advance a child’s own approach.