Practice Charcoal Drawing

Grading Rubric
Objective
The purpose of this assignment is to help students “see” their reference more closely. Through the demonstration of contour lines, values, grid lines, and proportion, students will create a piece representing a photo reference.

Requirements
1. 1” border
2. No Visible Gridlines (Graphite)
3. No Visible Outlines
4. Demonstrate at Least 5 Values (Black/White + 3 other values)
5. Craftsmanship of Paper

Process
  1. Get the provided photo reference to draw from. *This is an artist’s drawing in charcoal. Normally references should be non-copywritten and not of other’s work. This reference was chosen to aide students in the beginning process.
  2. Get a 9” X 12” piece of drawing paper.
  3. Draw a 1” border on your drawing paper.
  4. Draw a 2” grid on your drawing paper using light lines. (You will have 5 boxes going the long way and 3 1/2 boxes going the short way).
  5. Draw a 1” grid on the photo reference. (You will have 5 boxes going the long way and 4 boxes going the short way. Cut the last box on the short side in half to make it 5 x 3.5)
  6. Create contour lines on drawing paper using light lines.
  7. Turn reference and drawing upside-down to check for accuracy of line placement.
  8. Erase Gridlines.
  9. Shade the drawing by using cross-contour lines. Take your time…think ahead!
  10. Include the darkest values from the value scale.
  11. Turn in on time!

Tips
1. Use the 4H pencil for the lighter lines. (Border, Grid, Contour Lines)
2. Place the bigger lines first. Big lines to small lines.
3. Turn paper upside-down along with photo to check for accuracy.
4. Create values going from light to dark.
5. Back away from drawing along with reference to check for accuracy.
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!

Process Steps 1-8
(Image #4 shouldn't have the 1/2 box on the right side, only on the Bottom)

How to Make a Border on your Paper

How to put a Grid on Your Paper(This SHOULDN'T HAVE THE 1/2 BOX ON THE RIGHT SIDE, ONLY ON THE BOTTOM)

How to Put a Grid on your Reference
(ThiS sHOULDN'T HAVE THE 1/2 BOX ON THE RIGHT SIDE. It will have 5 full boxes across and 3.5 down )