10/23/15 Basic Drawing

Today's Class- Today we continued our study of value drawing with charcoal.  I set up a still life similar to last week's- boxes, draped with a sheet, a variety of objects, and with some spotlights to create patterns of light and shadow.  However, this time instead of all white items in the still life, I added some darker items, so we could consider local color along with the effects of light and shadow.

How to make this up-  Place a box on a table, and drape with two cloths side by side, one white, one a medium to dark color.  Select four objects of similar size, two white or light colored, two medium to dark color, and place on and around the box.  Shine a direct light on the set up to create patterns of light and shadow.  You will do two drawings on sheets of your 18" x 24" paper, one using the vine charcoal, this time drawing directly onto the white paper, and one using the compressed charcoal.  Pay attention to shapes, negative space, proportions, perspective, and values.  Above is an example from a previous semester.  More details can be found here.

These are portfolio exercises, but the first half portfolio collection and grading is next week, so you should try to get them done by then.

Homework-  Set up a still life similar to today's assignment, box, colored or patterned cloth, mix of light and dark colored objects, direct light source.  Draw on a page in your sketchbook, using a soft pencil, matching the value as well as the other usual concerns.  Then rearrange the objects and draw a second time, for a total of two drawings.

1st Half Portfolio

During class next week I'll be grading the 1st half portfolio, which is all the drawings done in class except the one graded pencil line final.  If you've missed no classes, you are caught up.  If you've missed one or part of any classes, you should try to make up the missed work before next week to get the maximum points.  Here is a list of what I am expecting and the dates you can find the specifics on this blog:

9/18-  Contour Lines (shoes)
           exterior/cross/blind/final
9/25-  Reductive (bamboo)
          Negative Space (chair)
          Positive/Negative (bottles)
10/2-  Perspective 
          Boxes/Boxes and Cans
10/16- Value with white objects
           vine charcoal/ compressed charcoal
10/23- Value with mixed value objects
           vine charcoal/compressed charcoal

For next class 10/30/15-  I will be grading the first half portfolio while the class is completing the final charcoal drawing of the semester.  Bring all your first half work, your 18" x 24" pad, charcoal of your choice, kneaded eraser, and spray fixative.