Dawning Realism: The Gang Age

AGE: 9-12 YEARS

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When a student reaches dawning realism (Lownfeld), they begin to realize the possibilities connected with visual communication. As children become more aware of their surroundings, their desire to depict things in a naturalistic way greatly increases. Lownfeld also refers to this stage as the "gang stage" because social connections and peer influences strongly affect children's artwork during this period.

Characteristics to look for:

• Greater attention to details
• Children often feel self-conscious about drawings
• More aware of physical environment
• Single baseline is replaced with double baseline (and 3D planes)
• Sky meets horizon
• Roads, sidewalks, stairways seen going up or back in space
• Manipulation of size and scale are used to show depth 
  

• Detailed clothing is represented and pattern begins to distinguish female figures from male figures
  
• Body parts become less exaggerated and distorted 
  
• Figures become more stiff
• Profile poses and action scenes are common
• A strong desire for "realistic" drawing emerges

Luke, Flowers, 8 years

Observational drawing is one way to help students in this stage gain confidence. Luke made this drawing while studying a vase of flowers. Observing the still life helped him notice the differences between each flower. The colors used are vibrant. Luke may have chosen some of his colors based on what he saw, and others based on personal preference.

Mariel, Flowers, 10 years

During Dawning Realism, different symbol systems begin to emerge for boys and girls. Mariel has mastered this graphic flower and fills a blank page with the designs. She adds variety to the drawing by choosing different colors for each flower.

Luke, Taj Mahal, 9 years

In this drawing of the Taj Mahal, a photographic reference (or pre-drawing discussion) was probably used as motivation. A horizon line separates the ground from the sky and creates different spaces within the picture. Perspective is used to create a sense of depth. The subject is not of Luke's immediate surroundings or interests. Instead teacher chosen topics, such as place, architecture, and painting techniques, become the primary focus.

Luke, 10 years

At this age, Luke is interested in creating his own fantasy characters. Rather than rely strictly on cartoons, he uses pencil to create his own characters. The figures are not interacting, but some of them are seen in motion. Luke included the name of each character in this drawing.