Pictorial Composition in Crayon Etching

Hello! These notes will help you (age 9) learn how to arrange pictures when making a crayon etching. We use simple ideas so our pictures look strong and interesting. Many examples are from things you see in Kenya: Mt. Kenya, acacia trees, farms, Maasai, and animals.

What is crayon etching?

Crayon etching is a way of making prints or pictures. You draw with wax crayons or oil pastel on a flat plate or paper. Then you cover the surface with dark ink or paint. When you scratch or wipe away the top, the crayon drawing shows through. It looks like a drawing made by removing color — like scratch art.

Important words

• Composition — how you place things in the picture.
• Focal point — the main thing we want people to look at.
• Foreground / Middle / Background — parts near, middle, and far away.
• Balance — making the picture feel steady. Things can be even or interestingly uneven.

Simple rules to make your picture strong

1. Pick one focal point. Example: a cow, a person, or Mt. Kenya. Make it clear and strong.
2. Use foreground, middle, and background. Put big shapes near the front and small shapes far away.
3. Lead the eye with lines. Paths, fences, and rivers can guide the viewer to the focal point.
4. Keep the picture balanced. If you put a big tree on one side, add a small house or person on the other side.
5. Use contrast. Light and dark or bright and dull areas help the focal point stand out.
6. Repeat shapes and patterns. Like many small leaves or many fence posts — these create rhythm.

Rule of thirds — a useful trick

Imagine your picture divided into nine equal squares (three across and three down). Put the important thing near one of the four points where the lines cross. It looks nicer than putting the thing in the center.

Example: A Kenyan hill scene

Think of Mt. Kenya in the back, a farm in the middle, and an acacia tree in the front. Put the main person or animal a little to the side (not in the middle). Use scratches to show bright lines on the mountain and tree bark.

How to plan a crayon etching picture (simple steps)

1. Choose a subject: e.g., a child leading a cow to the farm, or an acacia tree with Mt. Kenya behind.
2. Make a small pencil sketch of where things will go. Use the rule of thirds.
3. Draw with wax crayon or oil pastel on your plate or thick paper. Press harder for brighter marks.
4. Cover the whole surface with dark paint or ink (grown-up help). Let it dry a little.
5. Scratch or wipe the top layer where you want lines or highlights to appear. The crayon color shows underneath.
6. Add small repeated marks (grass, leaves) to give rhythm and texture.

Materials (easy and safe)

• Thick paper or a smooth plastic plate (use cardboard if you cannot find a plate)
• Wax crayons or oil pastels
• Black tempera paint or printing ink (adult supervision)
• Toothpicks, plastic knives, or blunt sticks for scratching (no sharp tools)
• Old cloth for wiping and a container for water

Safety

• Always ask a grown-up to help with paint or plates.
• Do not use sharp metal tools. Use plastic or wooden tools for scratching.
• Work in a place you can clean easily.

Fun classroom activity (30–45 minutes)

Topic: "My Village View" — Each pupil draws a small composition with a focal point (a tree, person, or animal). Use rule of thirds and show foreground, middle and background. Make a crayon etching and share prints with the class.

Quick checklist before you start

• Do I have one clear focal point?
• Are important things not all in the center?
• Can my foreground and background be told apart?
• Do lines lead the eye to the focal point?

Enjoy making your crayon etching! Remember: practice and looking at Kenyan scenes will help you make better pictures.