RSCC Studio Fundamentals:Drawing: October 2011

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Using Line/Value

In this drawing project I created a still life from left over blocks of foam creating a very geometric architectural looking "still life". We placed an overhead clamp light to create very dramatic contrast. Composition was (as always) an important aspect of the assignments. Students were encouraged to move about the room to determine how they wanted to compose this arrangement. The structure was established using line first on a medium grey ground. Then lights and darks were added using charcoal and erasers to further define the geometric forms.

The arrangement:

The final drawings:

Using Value

In this assignment students were shown a slide blurred at the maximum amount possible (the slide was also intentionally projected upside down). Over time the slide was slowly brought to sharp focus and turned the correct orientation. As the drawing progressed students were to organize the composition by slowly laying down "smoky" areas of value to define the image. The success of this project was a result of the students inability to rely on any preconceived notion of what they were drawing. They were forced to study and observe rather than rely on what they know or think they know.

We discussed Sfumato definition and example here »»»

Progression of Slides

Works in Progress

Final Drawings

Alchemy final results

The hand drawn ink alchemy drawings were digitized and reworked using the computer as a tool to finalize this project. Photoshop was used to finalize the composition, add value, color, and details. Below are the finished results

Drawings Created from ALCHEMY print outs

Here are the initial drawings using pen, ink, and brush using the AL.CHEMY.org works as a starting point. See previous post for more information about this project.