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Children's drawings in pictures

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boy, 11 years oldThere have been many studies in the field of children's drawings. The views of various researchers differ somewhat. However, everyone agrees on the three stages in the development of visual ability.

These three stages are:
  • The period of experimenting and exploring
  • The period of conscious imagery
  • The period of consciously reflecting on the world through images

After the last period, the drawings have acquired an adult character, and we no longer refer to them as children's drawings. This stage is called the period of complete independence. It occurs after puberty.

Drawings from Period 1: scribbling and material handling

This period generally spans from the last quarter of the second year to the end of the fourth year of life.
Scribbling phaseIn this drawing, you can clearly see that the creator is still in the scribbling phase. We observe several characteristic scribbles:
  • Small scratches
  • Slightly curved horizontal zigzag lines
  • Spiral-shaped lines
The drawing is primarily made using broad movements with the upper and lower arm. The scribbles are still disorderly on the paper.
Scribbling phaseThis boy is also still in the scribbling phase. However, in addition to the scribbles from the previous drawing, we can also see some fine motor scribbles here. These are made using the forearm and hand. In this drawing, we see the following scribbles:
  • Slightly curved horizontal zigzag lines
  • Slightly curved vertical zigzag lines
  • Continuous circular lines
  • Longer lines with clear changes in direction
There is still no conscious placement of scribbles in this drawing.
Scribbling phaseAlthough you can already see more controlled small scribbles appearing here, the creator of this drawing is still in the scribbling stage. These were clearly made using the wrist and fingers. The following scribbles can be distinguished here:
  • Horizontal and vertical zigzag lines
  • Continuous circular lines
  • Small marks
Although color has been used, it does not yet serve any artistic purpose. The colors were probably just tried out because they were available. What is nice to see is that the little artist has already tried to fill the page nicely, albeit unconsciously, and has occasionally adjusted the direction of their drawing at the edge of the paper. However, the scribbles are still not placed consciously.
Scribbling phaseThis painting should also be placed in the scribbling phase, although the individual scribbles are hardly visible anymore. What is very clearly visible, however, is the motor enjoyment the creator experienced while making this piece. No spot has been left unused. Here, too, the use of color was probably incidental, though with a bit of imagination, you could see the blue as water or, conversely, as sky.