Take a Break from the Darkness of Cancer and Draw a Halloween Monster

A note about drawing a monster: since it’s Halloween, I thought I’d do a drawing lesson on creating a monster. I wanted to just do something fun and lighthearted and try and make it an activity for any age group.

Please don’t misinterpret my intentions. I’m just trying to give those dealing with cancer a little creative break. I know all too well there is nothing fun and lighthearted about cancer. It is truly evil you-know-what.

So, accept my little drawing lesson for what it is — just an invitation for a short creative break from the darkness of cancer.

When my late wife was diagnosed with BRCA-associated breast cancer, I turned to drawing as a method of coping.

More drawing activities:

• How to Use Drawing as a ‘Creative Break’ From Cancer
• Create a Cancer-Fighting Superhero
• Cancer, Bears and Fierce Compassion
• Drawing Was a ‘Creative Reprieve’ During My Wife’s Cancer

Transcript

To get started, all you need is a pencil, any type of eraser and a piece of paper.

Like all my sketches, I will be using some basic shapes to form a framework for the artwork.

Start with a bean shape for the monster’s body. Draw lightly. That way you can easily erase any unwanted lines when you get to the final steps.

Next, draw a series of small rectangles down both sides of the body. These will form the arms. How many you draw is your choice.

Then add small circles at the end of the rectangles. These will become the monster’s hands.

Now, add small, thin rectangles on the end of the circles. These will be monster’s fingers.

Next, comes the legs. Add a few long rectangles on the bottom of the bean shape.

Here again, the number you draw is up to you.

Like we did for the fingers, add small, thin rectangles on the end of the “leg” rectangles. These will be the monster’s toes.

Add a curly line for the tail.

A half-circle for the mouth.

An oval for an eye.

And a few triangles on top for horns or hair.

Now, darken the outline, erasing any unwanted lines.

Finally, add in details — an eyeball, teeth, claws, spots, etc.

This is where you can get as creative as you want!

Until our next creative break, take care.

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