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 learning easy at home or in the classroom.

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

• 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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?