10/2/15 Basic Drawing

Today's Class- The topic today was perspective, which allows artists to represent three dimensional space, including multiple layers of items, in a consistent and logical way on a two dimensional surface.  It is impossible to do this without some distortion of reality, but done well the viewer still ends up with a representation of the original subject that is easy to understand.  I gave a quick run through of one and two point perspective systems, but then quickly moved into a natural perspective system- using the shapes of objects, negative space, and relative positioning to show this information.  

How to make this up-  We did two portfolio exercises today, one just using several identical boxes, and one where I introduced several cylindrical objects so that we could consider ellipses (curves).  Everyone was present so should have this or know how to finish it, but it you want to relive the experience, student examples and the full instructions can be found here.

Homework- Find a medium large box with a flat side, like we used in today's class, such as a large cereal box, and three medium small bottles, like soda bottles.  Lay the box on the table on one of its broad sides.  Lay the three bottles down on the table on their sides- one in profile, one pointing directly at you, and one at an angle.  Place one of these bottles on top of the box, and the other two on the table in front of it, and draw the set up on a full page in your sketchbook, pencil line only.  Then switch two of the bottles and draw it again.  Then one more switch involving the third bottle, so that all three bottles have been in all three positions, and draw again.  Total of three drawings.

For next class 10/9/15-  We will conclude our study of line by doing an individually graded drawing featuring a complex still life- a mixture of different kinds of objects.  You will have the whole 3.5 hour period to work on it, and I'll collect them from you to grade before the following week.  Bring your 18' x 24" pad, pencils, and eraser.