Assignment Due Tuesday 3/7

Hello All!

Great job in class today. You made some good progress on the basics of drawing still life.

Just to clarify, there is nothing due this Friday, but I would recommend that you come to class with your composition blocked out so that Patrick can give you advice on your composition. I also wanted to give you an updated written description of what is due Tuesday, 3/7. If you have any questions, talk to Patrick during Friday's class and he'll be able to help you.

Assignment #4:

Using your five thematically related objects, create one still life drawing on a 22" x 30" piece of white paper that will be provided to you during class. Your composition should be chosen deliberately, but whether it is an open or closed composition is up to you. In this drawing, focus on scale and proportion: block out the whole composition, then begin on the shading. In total, this drawing should take you 4-6 hours.

Tips:

-Generally, a successful still life has several different sized objects and a single strong light source.

-When you're measuring your proportions, don't forget to extend your arm, lock your elbow, and use one eye -- then hold up your pencil or charcoal stick and use it as you would a ruler.

-When you're blocking out your still life, simplify everything down to basic forms: for example, if you're drawing a shoe, it should be drawn first as a rectangle.

- Once you're done blocking your composition and the scale and proportions are correct, go back in and add the details.

-If you're having trouble with the shading, squint your eyes-- this can help you identify the light and dark areas.

-Have fun! Drawing still life can be contemplative and relaxing. Your drawings will often be more successful when you're enjoying what you're doing. If you feel yourself getting stressed, try to loosen up, take a break and walk around.

Good luck! I'm very excited to see your work next Tuesday!