3 Materials Drawing Challenge

Press Deal 3 materials for a subject and the only three things you may draw it with.

3 Materials Drawing Challenge: 30 challenges

Draw a spider plant spilling over its pot using only a glitter gel pen, a sheet of sticky dots and a corner of kitchen sponge.

Padlock: keep a part. Arrows: change only that part.

Subjecta spider plant spilling over its pot
Linea glitter gel pen
Coloura sheet of sticky dots
Wildcarda corner of kitchen sponge

History (0)

Every challenge you make is kept here, newest first, up to the last 20. The list stays in this browser.

Challenge of the day

Draw a spider plant spilling over its pot using only a glitter gel pen, a sheet of sticky dots and a corner of kitchen sponge.
Draw a fork wound with noodles using only two pencils taped side by side, glued scraps of torn magazine paper and an envelope that has a window.
Draw a knitted square with a dropped stitch using only a mechanical pencil, glued scraps of wrapping paper and a page of old newspaper.
Draw a spider plant spilling over its pot using only a stick of blue chalk, two felt-tip pens that clash and a page from an old road atlas.
Draw a waffle under a puddle of syrup using only a crayon sharpened to a point, a stick of coloured chalk and a folded tissue.
Draw a woolly glove with a hole in it using only a pencil stub too short to sharpen, one metallic crayon and a corner of kitchen sponge.
Draw a scooter propped against a gate using only two pencils taped side by side, glued scraps of wrapping paper and corrugated cardboard.
Draw a sun hat squashed in a suitcase using only a pencil stub too short to sharpen, one orange felt-tip pen and graph paper.
Draw a cat asleep in a washing basket using only a stick of charcoal, one brown crayon and a page from an old road atlas.
Draw a bicycle helmet covered in stickers using only one purple colouring pencil, one metallic crayon and the hand that never holds your pencil.
Draw a rucksack with one badge using only a mechanical pencil, a sheet of sticky dots and the inside of a cereal box.
Draw a magpie feather on a doorstep using only a stick of blue chalk, a washable felt-tip wetted to make it run and a page of old newspaper.
Draw a brick wall covered in ivy using only a green felt-tip pen, one pink highlighter and an envelope that has a window.
Draw a striped scarf on a chair back using only two pencils taped side by side, glued sweet wrappers and a hole torn in scrap paper as a stencil.
Draw an iced bun with a cherry on top using only a glitter gel pen, a washable felt-tip wetted to make it run and a length of string.
Draw a wellington boot full of rainwater using only a black felt-tip pen that has a worn tip, one blue colouring pencil and masking tape.
Draw a bare hedge with an old nest in it using only a stick of blue chalk, a stick of coloured chalk and baking paper laid over the drawing.
Draw a rucksack with one badge using only two pencils taped side by side, two pans of watercolour that are neighbours in the box and graph paper.
Draw a magpie feather on a doorstep using only a black fineliner, glued scraps of coloured tissue and a hole punch.
Draw a sun hat squashed in a suitcase using only a red ballpoint, one brown crayon and a square of bubbled parcel wrap.
Draw a crumpet dripping with honey using only a school handwriting pen, two colouring pencils of your choice and a sheet of grey sugar paper.
Draw a woolly glove with a hole in it using only a felt-tip pen that has a brush tip, the last colour left in an old paint box and masking tape.
Draw a pitta bread stuffed with salad using only a hard 2H pencil, two colouring pencils of your choice and a length of string.
Draw a crumpet dripping with honey using only a black fineliner, one blue colouring pencil and a length of string.
Draw a woolly glove with a hole in it using only a school handwriting pen, a pencil that is red at one end and blue at the other and corrugated cardboard.
Draw a saucer of odd buttons using only a silver gel pen, two pans of watercolour that are neighbours in the box and an envelope that has a window.
Draw a tortoise eating a lettuce leaf using only a soft 4B pencil, one orange felt-tip pen and an old comb.
Draw a pair of muddy football boots using only a blue ballpoint, glued scraps of wrapping paper and a leaf placed under the paper.
Draw a scooter propped against a gate using only a hard 2H pencil, a sheet of sticky dots and a sheet of grey sugar paper.
Draw a tortoise eating a lettuce leaf using only a nearly empty ballpoint, two felt-tip pens that clash and masking tape.

Next step More drawing experiments

Subject: all 40 subjects

On the table 14

a comic lying open on a cushion Line for the panels, colour for the cushion and the third for its nubbly cloth.
a crumpet dripping with honey Line for the edge, colour for the honey and the third material for the holes.
a fizzy drink with a bendy straw Line for the glass, colour for the drink and the third for the bubbles.

Show all 40 subjects (37 more)

On the table, continued

a fork wound with noodles Line does nearly everything here. Colour the sauce and use the third for the steam.
a knitted square with a dropped stitch Line for the rows of stitches, colour for the wool and the third for the fuzz.
a pitta bread stuffed with salad Line for the shredded leaves, colour for the tomato and the third for the floury bread.
a saucer of odd buttons Line for the saucer's rim, colour for a few buttons and the third for their shine.
a speckled egg on a folded napkin Line for the folds, colour for the napkin's stripe and the third for the speckles.
a spider plant spilling over its pot Line for the long leaves, colour for the pot and the third for the soil.
a stripy mug holding three paintbrushes Lines for the handles, colour for the stripes and the third material for the bristles.
a toy digger in a sandpit Line for the arm and tracks, flat colour for the digger and the third for the sand.
a waffle under a puddle of syrup Line for the grid, colour for the syrup and the third for the crisp edges.
a zip pouch with felt-tips poking out Line for the zip, colour for the pen caps and the third for the cloth.
an iced bun with a cherry on top Line for the paper case, colour for the cherry and the third for the icing's shine.

To wear and carry 13

a bicycle helmet covered in stickers Line for the vents and straps, colour for the stickers and the third for the shine.
a drawer of rolled-up socks Line for the drawer, colour for one pair and the third for the knitted ribs.
a goldfish in a bag Line for the knot and the bag, colour for the fish and the third for the water's shine.
a lunchbox with the lid off Line for the box, colour for the food and the third for the crumbs or the foil.
a pair of muddy football boots Line for the outline, colour for the boots and the third for the mud.
a rucksack with one badge Line for the straps and zips, colour for the badge and the third for the worn cloth.
a snorkel and mask on wet sand Line for the tube and strap, colour for the mask and the third for the sand.
a striped scarf on a chair back Line for the chair, colour for the stripes and the third for the fringe.
a sun hat squashed in a suitcase Line for the weave, colour for the ribbon and the third for the creases.
a wellington boot full of rainwater Line for the boot's outline, colour for the rubber and the third for the water's shine.
a wet anorak over a chair Line for the folds, colour for the coat and the third for the drips and the puddle.
a woolly glove with a hole in it Line for the ribbing, colour for the glove and the third for the fluff.
a woolly hat stuffed in a coat pocket Line for the stitches, colour for the stripes and the third for the bobble.

Alive and outdoors 13

a bare hedge with an old nest in it Line for the twigs, colour for the sky behind and the third for the nest.
a brick wall covered in ivy Line for the mortar, colour for the leaves and the third for the rough brick.
a cat asleep in a washing basket Line for the basket's weave, colour for the cat and the third for the fur.
a drain cover shining after rain Line for the grid, colour for the reflected sky and the third for the wet tarmac.
a garden gate with peeling paint Line for the bars, colour for the paint and the third for the flakes and bare wood.
a hedgehog drinking from a saucer Line for the spines, colour for the saucer and the third for the soft face.
a ladybird walking up a window pane Line for the frame and legs, colour for the shell and the third for the raindrops.
a magpie feather on a doorstep Line for the barbs, colour for the blue sheen and the third for the gritty step.
a muddy dog on a clean doormat Line for the mat's bristles, colour for the dog and the third for the mud.
a pigeon on a statue's head Line for the statue, colour for the neck feathers and the third for the stone.
a scooter propped against a gate Line for the bars of the gate, colour for the scooter and the third for the rust.
a thistle head gone to fluff Line for the prickly stalk, colour for the sky and the third for the down.
a tortoise eating a lettuce leaf Line for the shell's plates, colour for the leaf and the third for the wrinkled skin.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Each subject has a part for a line, an area for colour and a texture for the third material, and its note says which is which. The notes are drawing advice. Licence: own work

Line: all 30 line tools

Pencils, crayons and chalk 15

a blunt pencil used on its side Good at broad soft tone. It cannot draw an edge, so leave edges to something else.
a crayon sharpened to a point Good at bold, waxy outlines. It cannot be erased or blended.
a fat stick of playground chalk Good at big dusty marks. It cannot go small, so draw large.

Show all 30 line tools (27 more)

Pencils, crayons and chalk, continued

a hard 2H pencil Good at pale, exact lines. It cannot go dark, so let the other two carry the weight.
a mechanical pencil Good at a line that never changes width. It cannot shade a wide area quickly.
a peeled crayon rubbed on its side Good at wide grainy strokes that pick up the table's texture. It cannot draw thin lines.
a pencil stub too short to sharpen Good at loose marks, held like a crayon. It cannot do neat detail.
a soft 4B pencil Good at rich darks that smudge. It cannot stay sharp, so keep the fine details few.
a stick of blue chalk Good at soft dusty lines that blend with a rub. It cannot hold a point.
a stick of charcoal Good at fast deep blacks and soft smudges. It cannot do small neat detail, and it gets on sleeves.
an HB pencil Good at thin grey lines and light shading. It cannot make a true black, so press for the darks.
one black colouring pencil Good at firm dark lines that do not smudge. It cannot be rubbed out cleanly.
one purple colouring pencil Good at a cool line and soft shadows. It cannot be rubbed out fully.
one red colouring pencil Good at a warm line drawing. It cannot give you a deep shadow.
two pencils taped side by side Good at double lines, like ribbons and railway tracks. It cannot draw a single thin line.

Pens 15

a black ballpoint Good at scribbled tone built up in layers. It cannot fill a large area flat.
a black felt-tip pen that has a worn tip Good at thick, soft-edged lines. It cannot do anything fine.
a black fineliner Good at crisp even lines and dots. It cannot make a grey, only more marks or fewer.
a blue ballpoint Good at fine lines, lighter or heavier with pressure. It cannot be rubbed out.
a brown fineliner Good at a softer outline than black. It cannot hide a mistake.
a felt-tip pen that has a brush tip Good at lines that swell and thin with pressure. It cannot keep an even width.
a glitter gel pen Good at sparkle in small doses. It cannot dry quickly, so work away from it.
a gold gel pen Good at bright dots and trims on top of other colour. It cannot be shaded.
a green felt-tip pen Good at bold flat lines in one strong colour. It cannot be layered without going patchy.
a nearly empty ballpoint Good at faint, scratchy, broken lines. It cannot be relied on, which is the fun.
a pen that clicks between four colours Good at changing colour without changing pen. It cannot blend one into the next.
a red ballpoint Good at a bright line that stays put. It cannot make a shadow look dark.
a school handwriting pen Good at a steady dark line. It cannot be erased, and it may run if it gets wet.
a silver gel pen Good at a line that shines when the page tilts. It cannot cover an area.
a thick washable black marker Good at heavy outlines seen from across a room. It cannot do detail smaller than its tip.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Each entry is something that makes a mark and that a child is likely to find at home or at school, with no brand named and nothing that cuts, burns or stains for good. Each note says what the material does well and what it cannot do. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

Colour: all 30 colours

Dry colour 15

a grey colouring pencil Good at quiet shadows that sit under other colours. It cannot draw attention.
a handful of broken crayon ends Good at short fat marks, like tiles. They cannot be sharpened.
a pencil that is red at one end and blue at the other Good at warm against cool. It cannot make green or yellow.

Show all 30 colours (27 more)

Dry colour, continued

a stick of coloured chalk Good at soft dusty colour, best on dark or rough paper. It cannot stay put if you rub it.
a tired felt-tip that leaves streaks Good at streaky fills that look like fur or grass. It cannot give a flat colour.
one blue colouring pencil Good at tone from pale to deep with pressure. It cannot make anything look warm.
one brown crayon Good at wood, mud and fur. It cannot look clean or bright.
one metallic crayon Good at a dull shine for coins, keys and stars. It cannot cover dark paper evenly.
one oil pastel Good at thick creamy colour that smears with a finger. It cannot do detail.
one orange felt-tip pen Good at one loud colour used in one place. It cannot be made paler.
one pink highlighter Good at a glow behind things. It cannot be shaded, so use it flat.
one yellow highlighter Good at bright see-through blocks. It cannot go dark, and lines under it still show.
three wax crayons picked with your eyes shut Good at surprise. They cannot be swapped, so make the odd one work.
two colouring pencils of your choice Good at layering: one over the other makes a third colour. They cannot cover quickly.
two felt-tip pens that clash Good at stripes and checks that buzz. They cannot be mixed, only placed side by side.

Wet colour and paper colour 15

a sheet of sticky dots Good at spots of flat colour, placed exactly. They cannot be any other shape.
a single pan of watercolour Good at soft washes from pale to strong. It cannot stay inside a line unless you wait. The brush is free.
a washable felt-tip wetted to make it run Good at lines that bleed into soft colour. It cannot be controlled exactly.
glued pieces torn from a paper carrier Good at warm flat shapes with a torn white edge. They cannot be bright.
glued pressed leaves Good at real colour and real veins. They cannot be made bigger or smaller.
glued scraps of coloured tissue Good at see-through layers that deepen where they overlap. They cannot take a hard edge.
glued scraps of torn magazine paper Good at flat colour and ready-made patterns. They cannot be shaded.
glued scraps of wrapping paper Good at pattern. The print cannot be changed, so choose where it goes.
glued sweet wrappers Good at shine and crinkle. They cannot lie flat.
the last colour left in an old paint box Good at making you invent. It cannot be the colour you wanted.
one colour of finger paint Good at prints, dabs and swirls. It cannot make a thin line.
one pot of poster paint Good at flat, solid colour. It cannot be blended softly once it is dry.
one watercolour pencil dipped in water Good at a line that turns into a wash. It cannot do both at once in the same place.
sticky notes in one colour Good at big square blocks to tear or draw on. They cannot curve.
two pans of watercolour that are neighbours in the box Good at blends, since neighbours mix cleanly. They cannot give strong contrast.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Each entry is something that fills an area with colour and that a child is likely to find at home or at school, with no brand named. Tea, coffee, ink and food colouring were left out because they stain. Each note says what the material does well and what it cannot do. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

Wildcard: all 30 wildcards

Something to draw on 15

a brown envelope to draw on Good at a middle tone, so both light and dark marks show. It cannot take much water.
a flattened paper cake case Good at a small round picture with a pleated frame. It cannot give you corners.
a grid torn from an old wall planner Good at a ready-made grid of boxes to fill or break. It cannot be blank.

Show all 30 wildcards (27 more)

Something to draw on, continued

a page from an old road atlas Good at lines that are already there to follow or fight. It cannot be plain.
a page of old newspaper Good at a grey, busy background of print. It cannot keep fine detail clear.
a paper towel Good at soaking wet colour into soft blooms. It cannot survive hard pressing.
a sheet folded into a card that opens Good at a picture that has an outside and an inside. It cannot be seen all at once.
a sheet of grey sugar paper Good at a rough middle tone that takes chalk, crayon and pen. It cannot give a bright white.
an envelope that has a window Good at a frame within the page. The window cannot be drawn on, only looked through.
baking paper laid over the drawing Good at a second, misty layer you can see through. It cannot take a wet wash.
corrugated cardboard Good at ridges that break up every stroke. It cannot take a smooth line.
graph paper Good at straight edges and getting sizes right. It cannot be hidden: the grid shows through.
the inside of a cereal box Good at a soft grey ground that takes pencil and chalk. It cannot stay flat when wet.
lined paper turned sideways Good at ready-made stripes, for rain, wood or bars. It cannot give you a blank sky.
three sticky notes in a row Good at splitting a picture into three small panels. It cannot hold one large shape.

Tools and tricks 15

a coin to draw round Good at circles of one exact size. It cannot make any other size.
a corner of kitchen sponge Good at dabbing wet colour and rubbing dry colour soft. It cannot be neat.
a flat wooden lolly stick Good at scraping wet colour, pressing dents into paper and ruling short lines. It cannot bend.
a folded tissue Good at blending pencil, chalk or crayon and at blotting paint. It cannot add a mark.
a hole punch Good at perfect paper circles and holes that show what is under. It cannot reach the middle of the page.
a hole torn in scrap paper as a stencil Good at soft-edged shapes: colour or scribble through the hole. It cannot give a crisp edge.
a leaf placed under the paper Good at rubbings in pencil or crayon, and a shape to draw round in pen. It cannot be any other leaf.
a length of string Good at a wandering line to trace along, or to print with. It cannot stay where you put it.
a ruler Good at straight lines and even spacing. It cannot help with anything alive.
a second sheet of paper to tear and layer Good at masks, flaps and torn edges. It cannot add a colour of its own.
a square of bubbled parcel wrap Good at rows of dots: print with it, or lay the paper on top and rub. It cannot give any other pattern.
an eraser used as a drawing tool Good at lifting light out of pencil and chalk, and at stamping once its end is coloured. It cannot lift pen.
an old comb Good at rows of even marks: drag it through colour or run a pen along its teeth. It cannot draw one line alone.
the hand that never holds your pencil Good at wobbly, lively lines. It cannot be neat, so do not ask it to be.
masking tape Good at clean straight edges when you peel it off. It cannot bend round a tight curve.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Each entry is neither a line tool nor a colour: a surface to draw on, or a tool that changes what the other two do. All are things a child is likely to find at home or at school, with no brand named and nothing sharp. Each note says what the material does well and what it cannot do. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

How it works

The 3 materials drawing challenge gives you one subject and three things to draw it with: one for line, one for colour and a wildcard. Press Deal 3 materials. Everything on the lists can be found at home or school.

Read the full guide

Give each material a job

Every subject has a part made of lines, an area of colour and a texture. Decide which material does which before you start. For a stripy mug holding three paintbrushes, a ballpoint could draw the handles, a highlighter the stripes and masking tape the clean edge of the table. The lists below say what each material does well and what it cannot do.

What comes free

Plain paper, water, a brush for paint and glue for paper scraps do not count as materials. Print 30 challenges for a class.

Test all three on a scrap first. Find out which one will go over which.
Give the weakest material the smallest job and let the strongest do the outline.
No such thing in the house? Swap in the nearest thing you have and carry on.

Questions and answers

What is a three-material drawing challenge?

You draw one subject using only three art materials, however odd the mix. Here they are dealt in three jobs, one for line, one for colour and one wildcard, so the three never do the same thing.

Do paper, water and glue count as materials?

No. Plain paper, water, a brush for paint and a dab of glue for paper scraps come free. If the wildcard is a surface, such as a brown envelope or graph paper, draw on that and leave the plain paper out.

Is it safe for young children?

The lists hold things from a pencil case, a craft box or a kitchen drawer. Nothing cuts or burns and no brand is named. Tea, coffee and ink were left out because they stain. Charcoal, chalk and paint still call for an old shirt.

Can I choose my own subject?

Yes. Keep the three materials and draw anything you like. The subjects here were picked because each has a line part, a colour part and a texture, which gives every material something to do.