Places, Traditions and Discoveries · Drawing 34 of 40
A drawing that seems to move
Québec — animated film
To make a cartoon, artists draw several pictures that are each a little different. When the pictures are shown quickly, one after another,, the character seems to move.
Look together
What movement would you like to invent?
An idea to try
An adult draws three boxes. Your child draws a character with one arm down, halfway up and then raised.
For the adult reading along
A little more to discover
Animation can create the impression of movement from still images. The National Film Board’s educational resources explain that each picture changes slightly from the previous one. When images follow one another, movement appears. Artists may use drawing, painting, cut paper and other materials.
The page shows only a few positions of an invented character. This small number introduces a sequence rather than producing smooth animation. Choose a simple movement, such as raising an arm. Ask what changes between the start and finish, then imagine an intermediate position. No screen is needed to tell this transformation.
Sources and illustration notes (1)
An original character in a few poses; not a complete sequence or a reproduction of an NFB film.
These links lead to other websites. Explore them with an adult. References identify the institution and the related lesson; some linked pages are in French.
- National Film Board of Canada — Study guide, Tying Your Own ShoesSuccessive, slightly different images create the illusion of movement; a variety of techniques, including drawing, painting and cut paper.
Page prepared on September 12, 2026. Illustrations simplify places and scenes; they are not historical documents.
This drawing is from the book Québec Treasures to Colour
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