2017 Winter
Continuous Contour Line Drawing
For our first project of the semester, we reviewed the continuos contour line technique. With this drawing method, the artist creates a highly-focused observational drawing from one connected line, without lifting the pen from the surface. Students studied the interior contours of the forms they observed, as well as the exterior shapes. After practicing the technique, students created a final composition which demonstrated multiple views of the same object. The design principles of movement and balance were considered. Students then added color with experimental watercolor techniques.
For our first project of the semester, we reviewed the continuos contour line technique. With this drawing method, the artist creates a highly-focused observational drawing from one connected line, without lifting the pen from the surface. Students studied the interior contours of the forms they observed, as well as the exterior shapes. After practicing the technique, students created a final composition which demonstrated multiple views of the same object. The design principles of movement and balance were considered. Students then added color with experimental watercolor techniques.
Figure Drawing
Students learned about the proportions of the human figure by studying basic anatomy. Students then took turns striking "active" poses, while their classmates created quick, 2 minute "gesture" drawings of them. Finally, students worked on toned paper to capture 20 minutes shaded drawings of the human figure.
Instrument Still Life
We completed our drawing unit with an observational still life drawing with a musical instrument theme. Students concentrated on composition by studying the still life through view finders, and then created several thumbnail sketches to determine their best option. They produced their final pieces with oil pastels on canvas paper, with special attention to color mixing.
International Fables - Etching
Our printmaking unit focused on International Fables. A fable is a short story that teaches a moral or a lesson. Students explored fables with origins from outside of the United States. Ultimately, students chose one fable that was connected to their own ethnic heritage, and created an illustration of an important scene from the fable. Students etched the illustration into acrylic plates, added ink, and put the plates through the printing press. This allowed students to create multiple prints of a single image. If they had time, some students added water color to one of their prints.
Acrylic Portraits
Students created observational portraits, using acrylic paint. Most students painted themselves, but some worked from photos of others. Students were encouraged to focus on expressive qualities, in order to capture important aspects of the person in the painting. They considered pose, facial expression, point of view, cropping, color, and texture. We studied the work of Wayne Thiebaud, seeking inspiration for his mastery of color.
Ellie documented her daily progress while working on her portrait.
Exquisite Corpse
Exquisite Corpse is a spontaneous collaborative drawing created by 3 artists. Without looking at what the other artists are doing, one artist draws a head, one draws the body, and one draws the legs. When all 3 sections are complete, the drawing is unfolded to see what unique creature has emerged. Each student chose 2 drawings to finish with ink and color. Students were encouraged to add lots of texture and detail, and to think about creating visual unity.
Process Journals
Students are given weekly assignments to complete outside of class. These assignments encourage students to enhance their technical drawing skills while focusing on personal expression and creative material exploration.