All children pass through a sequential pattern of artistic development. Some go through the various stages quickly; others spend a particualrly long time in one stage. All go back and repeat earlier stages as they progress through this development.
STAGE 1:
Scribble stage: Ages 2-3--These scribbles involve vertical, horizontal, diagonal, curving, and circular lines. All art is based on scribbles.
STAGE 2:
Vague shapes: Ages 2-4--Circles, crosses, squares, rectangle, and other basic shapes are roughly visible. This child does not yet have the motor ability to master the shape.
STAGE 3:
Actual Shapes: Ages 3-5--This is a single outline of a shape. Motor control is now more refined.
STAGE 4:
Combined Shapes: Ages 3-5--These are designs created by combining and repeating various shapes. Shapes within shapes are common.
STAGE 5:
Mandalas and Suns: Ages 3-5--These are so common in children's art that they can be traced back to prehistoric times. The mandalas and suns display perfect balance. This is a turning point in children's art because from this stage, we begin to see the emergence of recognizable art.
STAGE 6:
People: Ages 4-5--These first appear as a large head with the arms and legs extending from the head. Later a trunk and more details appear.
STAGE 7:
Beginning Recognizable Art: Ages 4-6--These pictures are now identifiable. You may see several unrelated objects on a page. These pictures are built using the figures and shapes mastered during previous stages.
STAGE 8:
Later Recognizable Art: Ages 5-7--The entire pages tells a story. You may see birds, trees, people, flowers, suns, houses, and kites. This child may still prefer to draw abstract art; however, this is done with good control and intent.