Charcoal Still Life
Objective
The purpose of this assignment is to help students set up a still life using the composition rule of thirds and rule of odds while demonstrating the use of value through the processes given. Requirements 1. Concept (Your idea) 2. Composition (Objects should go over at least 3 sides/cropping) 3. Craftsmanship (Black/White + 3 values, no outlines) 4. Process (Evidence of practice of techniques and composition) 5. Artist's Statement/Reflection Process (Steps 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9 are optional) 1. Choose the still life object you wish to draw from. 2. Set up your still life. Every member of your table must see at least 3 of the objects. 3. Get a plastic sheet and a vis-à-vis marker. 4. Add your grid to the plastic sheet. 5. Trace the still life onto your plastic sheet. 6. Get a piece of the brown paper. 7. Create a ½” border. 8. Re-create the same grid on the charcoal paper. It won’t be exact, but will be close. (Use Light Lines) 9. Using your grid, draw in objects you see from your plastic sheet. (Use Light Lines) 10. Back away from your drawing to check for correct proportions. 11. Clean off plastic sheet. Put plastic sheet and vis-à-vis marker away. 12. Erase grid lines. 13. Look at your still life to determine where the darkest and lightest areas are. 14. Shade your objects using the vine (willow) charcoal. 15. Add the light areas and glares using white. 16. Try and get rid of any outlines you see. 17. Place in your newsprint folder. Tips 1. Use the 4H pencil for the lighter lines. 2. Place the bigger objects first. 3. Back away from drawing along with reference to check for accuracy. 4. Draw thumbnails. 5. Use a viewfinder to help with composition. 6. Draw what you see, not what you know. 7. The more time you put into it, the more you’ll appreciate the piece. 8. Outlines shouldn’t show…use light lines. 9. Do your best! |
Examples |