Fall Still Life

We have been practicing our observational drawing skills in 8th grade the past couple of weeks.   I set up an arrangement of fall objects.   Students were introduced to using line to create value.  When they are finished drawing the objects, they will use a line drawing technique such as cross-hatching, short dashes, or scribbles to apply tone to each object.

Line Drawing TechniquesStill Life

Grade:  8^th

Number of Classes:  4-5

Objectives: 

• Introduce the students to the concept of using line to create value
• Introduce the students to the concept of still life as related objects
• Introduce the students to the concept of repetition of shape within a composition
• Introduce the students to drawing realistically and model techniques to achieve a realistic drawing

Massachusetts Frameworks:

1.5 Expand the repertoire of 2D and 3D art processes, techniques, and materials with a focus on the range of effects possible within each medium

1.7 Use the appropriate vocabulary related to the methods, materials, and techniques students have learned and used in grades PreK-8

1.8 Maintain the workspace, materials, and tools responsibly and safely

2.8 For line, use and be able to identify various types of line

2.11 For space and composition, create unified 2D and 3D compositions that demonstrate an understanding of balance, repetition, rhythm, scale, proportion, unity, harmony, and emphasis.  Create 2D compositions that give the illusion of 3D space and volume

3.4 Create 2D and 3D representational artwork from direct observation in order to develop skills of perception, discrimination, physical coordination, and memory of detail

Vocabulary:  short dashes, hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, wavy lines, scribbles, proportion, perspective, light source, value, tone, shade, shadows

Teacher Materials:  PowerPoint presentation “Creating Value with Line Strokes”, examples, arranged still life

Student Materials:  pencil, Eraser, Sharpie pen, 12 x 18 tag board, worksheet “Line Drawing Techniques”, watercolor

Preparation: 

·        Students will view a slide show showing different line drawing techniques used to create value. 

·        Students will practice line drawing techniques with a provided worksheet prior to this lesson.

Procedure:

Day 1:

·        Students are shown how choose a composition

·        The creation and use of a viewfinder is demonstrated

·        Students are shown loosely and lightly how to map out the objects on the paper 

·        Students are shown how to use a pencil as a ruler to see the relationship between objects

·        Students are shown how to look at negative space in order to get correct placement of object

·        Students are shown how to overlap in order to achieve depth 

·        Students are encouraged to use the entire space on the paper 

·        Students begin drawing

Day 2:

·        Drawing continues

·        Once the drawing is mapped out well, students may darken lines that may need it

·        Lines are traced with sharpie marker

·        Students choose a line value technique and begin adding value to their drawing

Day 3:

·        In the beginning of class adding watercolor to the drawing is demonstrated

·        Students continue to finish drawing/adding value

·        When ready they may add a wash of watercolor to their still life drawing

Day 4/5:

·        Day to finish up if needed

 Closure:  Display works and critique, discuss what worked and what did not work during this project