School-aged kids will learn how to apply a diagonal shaped composition to their artwork in this fun project. We’ve included a free printable to make this lesson easy for home or classroom use.

Composition

“Composition is the placement or arrangement of visual elements or ingredients in a work of art.”

– Kiddle –

In today’s project, kids will create art which begins with a simple diagonal line. This guideline will create the framework for the diagonal composition, easily demonstrating one of the many composition styles used by artists throughout the years.

Related: Use the extra gnome images to review triangle composition.

Supplies Needed to Make this Diagonal Composition Art Project

• Free Printable Gnomes (Download Below) – Printed on Cardstock
• Blank Cardstock
• Scissors
• Stick Glue
• Pencil
• Permanent Marker
• Coloring Medium of Choice – Crayons, Colored Pencils, Markers, etc.

Download the Gnome Printable Here

This free gnome printable jumpstarts kids’ creativity by giving them a main character for their artwork. Kids simply choose a gnome and create their diagonal composition around it.

Directions to this Make Diagonal Composition Art Project

Step 1

Begin by drawing a light diagonal line from one corner to the other on the blank piece of cardstock. This line is the beginning of the diagonal composition. Tip: Be sure to draw lightly since this line will be erased later on.

Step 2

Next, choose a gnome to use in the project. Color and cut image from printable.

Step 3

Then, place your gnome onto paper and lightly sketch a scene within the diagonal guideline drawn in step 1. Encourage kids to keep sketches to one side of the diagonal line to further enhance the composition.

Step 4

Use a permanent marker to trace final sketch. Erase unwanted pencil guidelines.

Step 5

Then, use crayons, colored pencils, or markers to add color to your drawing.

Step 6

Finally, glue gnome onto drawing and add finishing details.

Finished Diagonal Composition Art Project

I love how cute these gnome drawings turned out! I am always amazed at the various scenes kids can create using the same starting points. Since these projects are made on paper, they can easily be framed, clipped, or displayed in your preferred style. 

Our Experience Making this Diagonal COmposition Art Project

This project was a lot of fun and an easy introductory lesson to diagonal composition. I think the little gnome graphics are adorable and I love the variety of scenes kids create around them.

Diagonal COmposition Art Variations

• Skip the printable and have kids fully create their own designs.
• Complete project using watercolor or acrylic paints.
• See how many different diagonal compositions kids can create using a variety of the gnomes.

Other Fun Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog

• Learn about L Composition using the same gnome printable.
• Send your gnome on an adventure while reviewing S composition.
• What kind of scene can you create for your gnome using V composition?
• Choose something to create from our list of 35 cute and simple gnome crafts.
• Younger kids enjoy our free printable gnome coloring page.
• Create a cool posterization art project for older kids…

Did your kids enjoy drawing using a diagonal composition? What scene did they choose to create for their gnome?