Kids will learn to use actual and implied lines in this mixed media project. We’ve included a handout to make learning easy at home or in the classroom.

completed mixed media actual and implied lines projects - dog in doghouse - basketball playing polar bear with gatorade - kids activities blog
Kids learn about various lines in this fun mixed media project

What are Actual and Implied Lines?

Actual lines are lines that kids are generally more accustomed to using in their drawings. Kids tend to sit and draw hard, solid, actual lines to represent an object within their picture.

Actual lines are lines that are physically present, existing solid connections between one or more points.

LibreTexts

Implied Lines are not actually drawn but are created using color changes, shadows, object placement, etc. They can direct a viewer’s attention to a certain area of the artwork or add feeing to the picture.

Implied lines are not actually drawn, but we can connect the dots to create the lines in our minds. Implied lines are an illusion that gives the impression of line where there is no continuous mark.

LibreTexts

By learning actual and implied lines, kids can use these concepts in their artwork to enhance their skills.

Related: In this project kids use one solid actual line to create artwork.

Supplies Needed for this Actual and Implied Lines Art Project

supplies needed for actual and implied lines project - printable, cardstock, magazine clippings, scissors, crayons, markers, glue, etc - kids activities blog
Few supplies are needed for this fun Project about lines!
  • Free Printable – download below
  • Cardstock
  • Images – cut from magazines, books, junk mail, etc.
  • Pencils
  • Colored Medium of Choice – crayons, colored pencils, markers, etc.
  • Glue
  • Scissors

Download the Actual & Implied Lines Printable Here

By using this download, kids can explore actual lines, implied lines, and and some implied textures before working on their projects. One page includes prompts to help guide kids. The optional second page is left blank for them to explore their own ideas.

How to Make this Actual and Implied Lines Art Project

Step 1

step 1 - completed actual and implied lines printable worksheets - kids activities blog
Kids explore lines on our free printable!

Begin by using a pencil or pen, draw both actual and implied lines in each box in effort to achieve desired results. Boxes will look different based on each child’s own interpretation of the prompt. We are not looking for perfection here, this is just a chance to explore new ideas.

Set printable worksheet aside to use a reference for the project.

Step 2

step 2 - boy using a pencil to trace around a magazine clipping of a dog - kids activities blog
Lightly trace around the magazine clipping

Next, take the blank piece of cardstock and images that have been cut from magazines or books. Arrange images onto cardstock to determine what the project design will be.

Once image placement is determined, lightly mark where images will be placed and set images aside.

Step 3

step 3 - boy uses pencil to draw a picture on white paper - kids activities blog
Next, lightly sketch the remainder of the picture

Using a pencil, sketch the rest of the picture using a combination of actual and implied lines.

Kids may want to refer back to the printable worksheet for ideas. They can even use the back side to practice sketch new design methods.

Step 4

step 4 - using crayons to color implied lines on paper - kids activities blog
Use any medium to color the picture

Next, color drawing with medium of choice. Color slightly over the lines where clipped images will be glued down. This will help fill in any gaps and make the final artwork look more uniform.

Step 5

Finally, glue images to cardstock.

Step 6

If desired, trace over actual and implied lines to further distinguish them.

Finished Actual and Implied Lines Art Project for Older Kids

completed actual and implied lines artwork of dog and polar bear - crayons, pencils, scissors, etc supplies - kids activities blog
i love seeing kids’ creativity emerge with this project

I love how these projects turned out! Kids are always so creative with their scenes and I love seeing the pictures come together.

Our Experience Making this Actual and Implied Lines Art Project

completed actual and implied lines artwork and worksheets - kids activities blog
A fun project for repurposing magazine clippings

We enjoyed looking through magazines for our own images to put into a project and even brainstormed future designs. This is such a fun project that gives kids a chance to explore their imagination. By using the magazine clippings, kids can create masterpieces without the intimidation of drawing images they might feel are too complicated.

Actual and Implied Lines Variations

  • You can have images precut for kids or have them explore and cut their own.
  • Consider using acrylic paint for the background. This will alter the project’s length due to dry time.
  • Create project around a seasonal theme or idea.
Yield: 1

Actual and Implied Lines Art Project for Older Kids

Actual and Implied Lines Art Project for Older Kids

Kids will learn to use actual and implied lines in this mixed media project. We’ve included a handout to make the learning process easy for learning at home or in the classroom.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Active Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Difficulty Medium
Estimated Cost $1

Materials

  • Free Printable - Actual & Implied Lines
  • Cardstock
  • Images – cut from magazines, books, junk mail, etc.

Tools

  • Pencils
  • Colored Medium of Choice – crayons, colored pencils, markers, etc.
  • Glue
  • Scissors

Instructions

  1. Using a pencil or pen, draw both actual and implied lines in each box of the printable worksheet. Set aside.
  2. On a blank piece of cardstock, arrange images to determine the project design. Lightly mark where images will be placed and set images aside.
  3. Using a pencil, sketch the rest of the picture using a combination of actual and implied lines.
  4. Color drawing with medium of choice. Color slightly over the lines where clipped images will be glued down. This will help fill in any gaps and make the final artwork look more uniform.
  5. Glue images to background.
  6. If desired, trace over actual and implied lines to further distinguish them.

Notes

Actual and Implied Lines Variations

  • You can have images precut for kids or have them explore and cut their own.
  • Consider using acrylic paint for the background. This will alter the project’s length due to dry time.
  • Create project around a seasonal theme or idea.

Explore Other Fun Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog

What kind of pictures did your kids create? Which did they enjoy more, actual or implied lines?



You Might Also Like

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *