Torch & Trowel

Unit 04: From Shape to Form – Drawing Field Kit Vol. 1In this unit, students learn how to make their drawings look solid and three-dimensional by turning simple shapes into real forms. Instead of stopping at outlines, they’ll discover how objects take up space and connect together. Step by step, students will: Build the four basic forms — sphere, cube, cylinder, and cone — through guided practice. Spot these forms hidden inside everyday objects and use them as building blocks. Combine forms i

Unit 05: Building Real Objects – Drawing Field Kit Vol. 1Real objects aren’t made of perfect shapes — they bend, stretch, and taper. In this unit, students learn how to adjust the basic forms (cube, sphere, cylinder, and cone) so their drawings feel more natural and alive. Step by step, students will: Practice stretching, squashing, and tapering forms while keeping them solid. Spot these adjusted forms inside everyday objects like vases, pumpkins, and stacked books. Combine multiple adjusted

Unit 06: Controlling Forms – Drawing Field Kit Vol. 1The final step in this series is about taking full control of forms in space. In this unit, students go beyond drawing single shapes — they learn how to rotate, combine, and refine forms to build more complex objects with confidence. Step by step, students will: Practice rotating boxes, cylinders, cones, and spheres from different viewpoints. Combine forms additively (stacking and joining) and subtractively (carving and cutting away). Apply

Unit 02: Seeing Empty Space – Drawing Field Kit Vol. 1Great drawings aren’t just about the objects themselves — they’re about the space around them. In this unit, students train their eyes to see negative space and careful contours, helping them draw with accuracy and balance. Step by step, students will: Practice spotting and drawing the empty space around objects instead of guessing outlines. Use contour line exercises to follow edges with focus and control. Apply both skills in a still lif

Unit 03: Building Simple Shapes – Drawing Field Kit Vol. 1Before students can draw anything complex, they need to understand the building blocks underneath. In this unit, they’ll learn how to see and construct simple shapes — rectangles, triangles, circles, and ellipses — and use them to build more accurate drawings. Step by step, students will: Practice drawing basic shapes cleanly and steadily by hand. Recognize these shapes inside real-world objects like bottles, shoes, and birds. Use ligh

Creating a Composition – Design Field Kit Vol. 1A strong composition is what makes a drawing feel finished, balanced, and intentional. This unit teaches students how to plan and arrange objects inside the picture frame so their drawings look complete, not crowded or empty. What students will learn: How to start with big placement shapes to set up the scene. How to break objects into simple shapes or forms for easier planning. How to check negative spaces so the drawing feels balanced on the pa

Sharpen your students’ line-work skills with this printable companion sheet from the Torch & Trowel Drawing I Field Kit. Two themed scenes— Kitchen Counter and Campsite—invite learners to vary line weight, direction, and spacing to create contrast, while a “Hard Mode Unlocked” section challenges them to render an apple and coffee mug using nothing but contour and hatch marks. Grade level: 6-12 (perfect for substitute plans or extended learning) What you get: 1 black-and-white PDF (8.5 × 11

Free “Extra Practice: Space I–II” WorksheetsTrain your students’ artist-eyes with this two-page download that pairs guided practice with built-in reference images. Worksheet I – Negative Space & Modified Contour Students draw the spaces around a bicycle and then create a slow, modified-contour drawing of a detailed (but printer friendly) shoe. Worksheet II – Reference Sheet Two upside-down shoe illustrations supply ready references for Worksheet I’s shoe —ideal for contour practice that silen

Unit 01: Lines in Control – Drawing Field Kit Vol. 1 (FREE)The best place to start any drawing journey is with the line. In this unit, students learn how to take control of their pencil so every drawing that follows is stronger and more confident. Step by step, students will: Practice drawing smooth, steady lines using shoulder movement for better control. Explore line weight, spacing, and texture to see how simple changes create variety. Apply these skills in a fun room-decorating project, u