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Lines with Style

Discover the differences between Realism and Stylization in art, and show off your own unique style!

  • Grade 2
    Grade 3
    Grade 4
  • 30 to 60 minutes
  • Directions

    1. Some artists are very skilled at capturing every subtle detail in an image, so the subject of the artwork looks almost as it does in real life. This type of art is known as realism. The less something looks as it does in real life, the more stylized it becomes. This type of art is called stylization or abstract art. Cartoon and comics are like this! Invite students to research examples of each of these types of art with classmates. Discuss the differences.
    2. Beginning artists often find stylization as a way to learn not only drawing, but seeing as well. To stylize an object, you simplify it into its most basic elements of shape, line, and color. To look at something and draw simple shapes that make up that object might be less intimidating than drawing the object as a whole. Students try this technique with to create personal abstract drawings.
    3. Students select an item from the classroom to draw or bring one in from home. Study the object and imagine what simple shapes could form it. For example, if you’re looking at a baseball cap, you might think of it as a half circle with a long, thin oval attached to it.
    4. Demonstrate for students how to lightly sketch the selected object with Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils. Starting with the simple shapes that make it up. Next, erase the overlapping lines and give the object a defined edge by outlining it with Crayola Washable Markers. Embellish the stylized drawing with other thick and thin lines and shapes to add detail.
    5. Fill in objects with bright colors. Give it a thick outline and dark background to really make it pop.
    6. Students write a journal entry discussing how they used their knowledge of lines, rays, geometric shapes, etc. to create their stylized artwork. Post artwork and writing on a classroom bulletin board for easy viewing by classmates and visitors.
  • Standards



    LA: Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.







    VA: Use visual structures of art to communicate ideas.



  • Adaptations

    Create a series of abstract drawings based on the same subject, like a flower. Display all drawings together as one would find in an art gallery. Invent a catchy title or slogan for the display.

    Students select an artist who is well-known for his work in stylization. Research his life, education, and professional work experience. Organize research into an electronic format for presentation to classmates.

    After students have replicated a selected object using stylization technique, students re-create the object using the technique of realism. Display the two art pieces side by side.


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