Chalk Techniques: The Grid Method

What Is the Grid Method? A Simple Way to Make Big Art!

Have you ever wondered how chalk artists create giant, detailed pieces on the ground that look just like a photo or drawing? One of my favorite tools for making this possible is called the Grid Method—and it’s way easier than it sounds!

This technique is best to use if you're new to chalk art. While I used it a lot when I was first getting started, I've now transitioned to more specific methods of upscaling an image on the ground.

So, what is it?

The Grid Method is a drawing technique that helps artists enlarge an image while keeping it accurate. It works like this:

1. Start with a picture (like a photo or sketch) and draw a grid of equal-sized squares over it—kind of like graph paper.

2. Then, draw a matching grid on your sidewalk or chalk surface, but much larger.

3. Now, go square by square. Whatever is in the small square on your photo, you copy into the big square on the ground.

It’s like zooming in and working on one puzzle piece at a time—no guesswork, no tracing, and no magic tricks required!

Here are some examples of my early work using the grid method:

Try it for yourself and let me know what you think!