Grid Method Enlargement Drawing Technique

A small reference image — a photo, magazine picture, or simple drawing

Large drawing paper

Ruler

Pencil and eraser

Optional: a clear acetate sheet to lay a grid over the reference without marking it

Choose a small reference image. A pet photo, a favorite character, or a simple landscape work well. Print it at about 4 by 4 inches.

Draw a grid of 1-inch squares over the reference image using a ruler and light pencil lines. If you do not want to mark the original, draw the grid on a clear sheet and lay it over the image.

On a larger piece of paper, draw a grid with the same number of squares but at a bigger scale. If your reference has a 4-by-4 grid, your large paper gets a 4-by-4 grid with 2-inch squares for a double-size enlargement.

Number the squares on both grids so they match — A1, A2, B1, B2, and so on.

Working one square at a time, look at what is in the small square and draw the same lines, curves, and shapes in the matching large square. Focus only on the contents of that one square.

Once every square is copied, step back. The full image has been enlarged. Now carefully erase the grid lines.

Refine the drawing — smooth out connections between squares, add shading, and clean up details.

The grid method works because it breaks a complex, intimidating image into small, simple sections. Each square is easy to copy on its own.

Professional muralists use this exact technique to scale small sketches up to building-sized paintings.

Start with a simple image — a cartoon character or a bold logo — before trying realistic photos.

Lightly drawn grid lines are easier to erase. Press gently when ruling the grid.

This technique dramatically improves drawing accuracy without any natural talent required. It is pure method, and anyone can learn it.