Analogous Contour Line Animals

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Analogous Contour Line Animals 🎨 (Middle–High School)

This is hands-down one of my favorite projects to do with middle and high school students—it checks so many boxes: creativity, observation, color theory, contour drawing, and that jaw-dropping wow moment when the work is complete. It’s a perfect blend of structure and freedom, and the results are nothing short of stunning.

We start with choice—a key factor in keeping students invested. I lay out a big stack of high-quality animal reference images (everything from majestic tigers to quirky llamas), but I also encourage students to bring in their own. The absolute winners? When they choose their own pets. A beloved dog, a sleepy cat, even a pet lizard—those instantly become keepsake-worthy portraits.

From there, students trace the animal image using contour lines, but here’s the twist: instead of outlining the whole animal, students trace only where the values shift—those subtle changes between light and dark areas. This means they’re mapping shadows, highlights, and midtones entirely with line. It’s an exercise in really looking, in slowing down, and in understanding how tone defines form.

Then comes the color theory component. We stick to analogous color schemes—neighbors on the color wheel, like yellow–orange–red or blue–green–teal. This not only reinforces unity and harmony, but also keeps students focused on layering and tonal variation within a limited palette. Using acrylics, they build depth and richness without the distraction of jumping all over the spectrum.

And when those paintings start to take shape? Magic. The simplified, mapped-out contours give the animals a striking graphic quality, while the unified colors create a calm, cohesive display. Hang them together on a wall and they look like a professional gallery collection.

Why it works:

• Observation skills – Forces students to truly see tonal shifts.

• Color theory in action – Analogous palettes create unity and mood.

• Personal connection – Using a pet or favorite animal makes it meaningful.

• Display-worthy results – The kind of project students (and parents) want to frame.
  

It’s the perfect combination of art fundamentals and creative expression—and one that students remember long after the paints are put away.

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