Second Year Drawing by D. R. Augsburg Second Year Drawing by D. R. Augsburg    

Lesson 25: The Triangle Reversed (Direction, Action, and Rhythm)

lesson image


Recall that the aim in these rhythmic or two-handed exercises is to give skill, speed, and grace to the two hands working together.

  • Spend 5 minutes a day on these exercises at a blackboard or whiteboard.
  • If you have no large blackboard or whiteboard, tape two pieces of paper to a desk or table, one piece for each hand.
  • Dots denote the starting places for a movement and the "X" the end position for a movement.

Instructors show children the lesson image and note:

  • The geometrical form featured in A is the triangle.
  • This is the reverse of the triangle image in Lesson 22.

Instructors direct children as follows:

  1. Instructors demonstrate using two hands to produce the triangles as shown in figure A.
  2. Children grasp two writing implements (chalk, dry erase marker, pencil), one in each hand.
  3. Instructors show children the triangles in figure A, say "Look," and allow the children to observe the image.
  4. Instructors say, "Draw," and children draw the images using both hands simultaneously.
  5. Instructors say "Erase," and children erase the images if using blackboard/whiteboard or secure two new pieces of paper.

Children complete the following drill work:

  • First Day: Draw A, then B, and then E.
  • Second Day: Draw A, then B, and then E.
  • Third Day: Draw A, then C, and then F.
  • Fourth Day: Draw A, then C, and then F.
  • Fifth Day: Draw A, then D, and then G.

Tip: Draw A, B, C, and D with light lines, and go over the work, back and forth, several times. Draw E, F, and G with heavy lines.