COURSE DESCRIPTION
This class is a beginning studio production class and is recommended for all students that would like to learn the fundamentals of drawing in the realistic as well as abstract, surrealistic, and non-objective art styles. This class is intended to address a wide range of drawing intricacies, such as: line quality, light & shade, rendering of form, composition, the illusion of depth and mark-making. Rendering from life, photo reference & imagination we will draw a variety of subject matter. (landscape, still life, animal, portrait, figurative and more) Class periods will be split between demonstrations, critiques and individual work time. Projects are focused on nourishing creativity and developing craftsmanship. Upon completion of this course, students should:
- Improve their ability to see (The first step to visual understanding and communication)
- Demonstrate a variety of drawing techniques
- View the work of established artists and incorporate ideas into his/her own work
- Have started the process of being able to express their thoughts in visual form
- Critically assess their own art
For many, drawing is not a gift that comes naturally but rather a skill that has been developed with much practice. In my class, raw talent is not as important as a desire to be creative and a determination to learn. This class would be beneficial for both the novice and those with some experience. See below for examples of student artwork from this class.
ASSIGNMENTS
ZENTANGLE
Create an original abstract drawing to further explore and better understand the elements of art, as discussed in class.
Requirements
- AT LEAST 6 HOURS
- Include all the elements of art listed below:
Line – At least 5 different expressive lines
Shape – Both geometric & organic shapes
Form – Both geometric & organic forms
Color – Color is optional
Value – At least 5 easily discernible values
Texture – At least 3 textures (repeating line & shape)
Space – Use perspective, size & overlapping
- Must include an artist statement: At least 3-5 sentences to help others better understand & appreciate your art.
What can you write about your art that is NOT already visually obvious? (inspiration / opinions / thoughts)
Create an original abstract drawing to further explore and better understand the elements of art, as discussed in class.
Requirements
- AT LEAST 6 HOURS
- Include all the elements of art listed below:
Line – At least 5 different expressive lines
Shape – Both geometric & organic shapes
Form – Both geometric & organic forms
Color – Color is optional
Value – At least 5 easily discernible values
Texture – At least 3 textures (repeating line & shape)
Space – Use perspective, size & overlapping
- Must include an artist statement: At least 3-5 sentences to help others better understand & appreciate your art.
What can you write about your art that is NOT already visually obvious? (inspiration / opinions / thoughts)
CHARACTER DESIGN
Design 4 ORIGINAL characters: Hero, Villain, Sidekick & Love Interest-(someone who the hero might save or help) These characters do not need to be stereotypical. They should be your OWN design (not Spiderman, SpongeBob or a Disney princess) They could be human, animal, monster, fantasy creature, robot, an object, food, alien, a combination of any of these things or something totally different.
Start by designing 20 of each of the following:
1. HEAD - BODY SHAPES 2. SETS OF EYES 3. MOUTHS 4. NOSES 5. SETS OF EARS 6. HAIR STYLES
(Once you finish all of these facial features experiment with mixing and matching different combinations until you find something original that you like. You will turn this in with your final 4 characters as part of your grade.)
BRAINSTORMING QUESTIONS
- What are some of your favorite characters from movies, anime, books etc.?
- What is it about those characters that makes them so great?
Requirements
- AT LEAST 6 HOURS
- Characters should have expression (in face & body language)
- Include clothing / wardrobe and props (a weapon, instrument, pet or other interesting object)
- Must use some color in your final project
- Must include an artist statement: At least 3-5 sentences to help others better understand & appreciate your art.
Design 4 ORIGINAL characters: Hero, Villain, Sidekick & Love Interest-(someone who the hero might save or help) These characters do not need to be stereotypical. They should be your OWN design (not Spiderman, SpongeBob or a Disney princess) They could be human, animal, monster, fantasy creature, robot, an object, food, alien, a combination of any of these things or something totally different.
Start by designing 20 of each of the following:
1. HEAD - BODY SHAPES 2. SETS OF EYES 3. MOUTHS 4. NOSES 5. SETS OF EARS 6. HAIR STYLES
(Once you finish all of these facial features experiment with mixing and matching different combinations until you find something original that you like. You will turn this in with your final 4 characters as part of your grade.)
BRAINSTORMING QUESTIONS
- What are some of your favorite characters from movies, anime, books etc.?
- What is it about those characters that makes them so great?
Requirements
- AT LEAST 6 HOURS
- Characters should have expression (in face & body language)
- Include clothing / wardrobe and props (a weapon, instrument, pet or other interesting object)
- Must use some color in your final project
- Must include an artist statement: At least 3-5 sentences to help others better understand & appreciate your art.
COMIC STRIP
Create an original comic strip that communicates an experience, idea or interaction and includes at least one character. Inspiration could come from a personal experience or that of someone you know, but the storyline and character(s) should NOT be taken from another artist. You must include some words; either sound effects or dialogue. If it’s dialogue between characters, add speech balloons to clarify who’s speaking. The sequence of panels should flow and clearly communicate a comprehensive story.
BRAINSTORMING QUESTIONS
- What are some of your favorite scenes from movies, anime, books etc.?
- What is it about the characters / situation that makes that scene enjoyable to watch / read?
Requirements
- AT LEAST 6 HOURS
- Characters should have expression (in face & body language)
- Must use some color in your final project
- Must have at least 5 panels / frames
- Must include an artist statement: At least 3-5 sentences which help others better understand & appreciate your art.
Create an original comic strip that communicates an experience, idea or interaction and includes at least one character. Inspiration could come from a personal experience or that of someone you know, but the storyline and character(s) should NOT be taken from another artist. You must include some words; either sound effects or dialogue. If it’s dialogue between characters, add speech balloons to clarify who’s speaking. The sequence of panels should flow and clearly communicate a comprehensive story.
BRAINSTORMING QUESTIONS
- What are some of your favorite scenes from movies, anime, books etc.?
- What is it about the characters / situation that makes that scene enjoyable to watch / read?
Requirements
- AT LEAST 6 HOURS
- Characters should have expression (in face & body language)
- Must use some color in your final project
- Must have at least 5 panels / frames
- Must include an artist statement: At least 3-5 sentences which help others better understand & appreciate your art.
KNOLLING
Create a drawing of at least 15 different things tightly fit together like a puzzle with no more than ¼ of an inch space between the images. This assignment is to help you dive more deeply into intentional design and composition.
BRAINSTORMING QUESTIONS
- What are some themes around which you could create a knolling?
- What is some imagery / objects that represent that theme you could use in your knolling?
Requirements
- AT LEAST 6 HOURS
- Must have at least 15 images of different things that closely fit together like a puzzle
- Must include some color
- Do visual research and collect references from multiple sources
- Must include an artist statement: At least 3-5 sentences which help others better understand & appreciate your art.
Create a drawing of at least 15 different things tightly fit together like a puzzle with no more than ¼ of an inch space between the images. This assignment is to help you dive more deeply into intentional design and composition.
BRAINSTORMING QUESTIONS
- What are some themes around which you could create a knolling?
- What is some imagery / objects that represent that theme you could use in your knolling?
Requirements
- AT LEAST 6 HOURS
- Must have at least 15 images of different things that closely fit together like a puzzle
- Must include some color
- Do visual research and collect references from multiple sources
- Must include an artist statement: At least 3-5 sentences which help others better understand & appreciate your art.
MIXED MEDIA COLLAGE DRAWING
Create a work of art that incorporates both elements of collage and imagery that is drawn. Use collage to add variety of imagery or to add texture & depth. The collaged imagery should contribute to the overall concept of the piece and “interact” with the drawn imagery. Meaning both parts (drawing & collage) should fit and work together to create unity in the artwork.
Requirements
- AT LEAST 6 HOURS
- Must have 3 parts / images collaged into the composition and 3 parts / images that are drawn.
- Must add some color with either color pencil or marker
- Must include an artist statement: At least 3-5 sentences which help others better understand & appreciate your art.
Create a work of art that incorporates both elements of collage and imagery that is drawn. Use collage to add variety of imagery or to add texture & depth. The collaged imagery should contribute to the overall concept of the piece and “interact” with the drawn imagery. Meaning both parts (drawing & collage) should fit and work together to create unity in the artwork.
Requirements
- AT LEAST 6 HOURS
- Must have 3 parts / images collaged into the composition and 3 parts / images that are drawn.
- Must add some color with either color pencil or marker
- Must include an artist statement: At least 3-5 sentences which help others better understand & appreciate your art.
BRAINSTORMING QUESTIONS
CREATE A CREATURE
Create a new animal species by combining together at least 3 different animals. The more different the animals are, the better the end result. For example if you add a fox, a dog and a wolf that won't be as interesting as a bear, a shark & an octopus or a bat, a crab & a squirrel. Combine animals that are pets with dangerous animals, or animals that fly with animals that swim, or animals that are huge with animals that are tiny, or that have scales with animals that have fur.... you get the idea.
BRAINSTORMING QUESTIONS
- How many different animals can you list in 5 minutes? (Mammals, Reptiles, Birds, Fish, Insects, etc.)
- Which 3-4 on this list would be the most interesting to combine together?
Requirements
- AT LEAST 6 HOURS
- Must have at least 5 textures (between both the animal and the background)
- Must create an environment in which this creature would exist with a foreground, midground and a background.
- Your creature(s) must take up at least half of the composition
- DO NOT COPY something you see online, this MUST be your own original idea / creation!
- Must include an artist statement: At least 3-5 sentences which help others better understand & appreciate your art.
CREATE A CREATURE
Create a new animal species by combining together at least 3 different animals. The more different the animals are, the better the end result. For example if you add a fox, a dog and a wolf that won't be as interesting as a bear, a shark & an octopus or a bat, a crab & a squirrel. Combine animals that are pets with dangerous animals, or animals that fly with animals that swim, or animals that are huge with animals that are tiny, or that have scales with animals that have fur.... you get the idea.
BRAINSTORMING QUESTIONS
- How many different animals can you list in 5 minutes? (Mammals, Reptiles, Birds, Fish, Insects, etc.)
- Which 3-4 on this list would be the most interesting to combine together?
Requirements
- AT LEAST 6 HOURS
- Must have at least 5 textures (between both the animal and the background)
- Must create an environment in which this creature would exist with a foreground, midground and a background.
- Your creature(s) must take up at least half of the composition
- DO NOT COPY something you see online, this MUST be your own original idea / creation!
- Must include an artist statement: At least 3-5 sentences which help others better understand & appreciate your art.
COLLAGED SELF PORTRAIT
Create a self portrait collage using at least one picture of yourself, at least 2 meaningful objects or imagery, and one aspect of abstraction. Using this collage as a guide, complete a larger drawn image of your creation using the grid method. The images used in your piece should come from your camera roll or family photos- NOT from google. The method of abstraction can be done to your portrait or objects. The way it is distorted is up to you, but some examples of this could be a checkerboard pattern, stripes, dots, torn paper, digital manipulation, etc. Keep in mind that you will be recreating the distortion done in your collage on your final paper through drawing.
BRAINSTORMING
- Consider the image you will use to draw yourself: Are you smiling? Angry? Sad? How can you abstract the image to emphasize this and tell a viewer about yourself?
- Consider the objects or items you will add to the piece: What do they say about you... a hobby, a pet, a friend? How do these contribute visually to what the viewer could guess about you from your finished piece?
Requirements
- Incorporates an image of yourself
- Incorporates at least 2 other objects or images
- The image (or images) has been abstracted in at least 1 way
- Use the grid method to draw your original collage
- Must include an artist statement: At least 3-5 sentences which help others better understand & appreciate your art.
Create a self portrait collage using at least one picture of yourself, at least 2 meaningful objects or imagery, and one aspect of abstraction. Using this collage as a guide, complete a larger drawn image of your creation using the grid method. The images used in your piece should come from your camera roll or family photos- NOT from google. The method of abstraction can be done to your portrait or objects. The way it is distorted is up to you, but some examples of this could be a checkerboard pattern, stripes, dots, torn paper, digital manipulation, etc. Keep in mind that you will be recreating the distortion done in your collage on your final paper through drawing.
BRAINSTORMING
- Consider the image you will use to draw yourself: Are you smiling? Angry? Sad? How can you abstract the image to emphasize this and tell a viewer about yourself?
- Consider the objects or items you will add to the piece: What do they say about you... a hobby, a pet, a friend? How do these contribute visually to what the viewer could guess about you from your finished piece?
Requirements
- Incorporates an image of yourself
- Incorporates at least 2 other objects or images
- The image (or images) has been abstracted in at least 1 way
- Use the grid method to draw your original collage
- Must include an artist statement: At least 3-5 sentences which help others better understand & appreciate your art.
GRID PORTRAIT
- Print out a black & white reference photo of a portrait (close up of the face) of a person or animal.
- Draw at least a 20 box grid over the top of the reference making sure your boxes are square. Your reference and drawing paper need to have the SAME number of boxes.
- Use your reference to draw that complex image box by box.... try to only focus on what's in a single box at a time, don't look at the whole picture and become overwhelmed. Make sure to erase your grid lines before you start adding values!
*** Watch the video below, it shows step by step
BRAINSTORMING QUESTIONS
- You have to choose one person or animal to draw, who / what is it?
- Why do you have a desire to draw them?
Requirements
- AT LEAST 6 HOURS
- Human or animal portrait (Use a CLOSE UP PHOTO of face) *turn in your reference with your final drawing
- At least 7 values (more values = more realistic)
- You must draw the WHOLE FACE, the person can not be wearing sunglasses or a mask.
- Must include an artist statement: At least 3-5 sentences which help others better understand & appreciate your art.
- Print out a black & white reference photo of a portrait (close up of the face) of a person or animal.
- Draw at least a 20 box grid over the top of the reference making sure your boxes are square. Your reference and drawing paper need to have the SAME number of boxes.
- Use your reference to draw that complex image box by box.... try to only focus on what's in a single box at a time, don't look at the whole picture and become overwhelmed. Make sure to erase your grid lines before you start adding values!
*** Watch the video below, it shows step by step
BRAINSTORMING QUESTIONS
- You have to choose one person or animal to draw, who / what is it?
- Why do you have a desire to draw them?
Requirements
- AT LEAST 6 HOURS
- Human or animal portrait (Use a CLOSE UP PHOTO of face) *turn in your reference with your final drawing
- At least 7 values (more values = more realistic)
- You must draw the WHOLE FACE, the person can not be wearing sunglasses or a mask.
- Must include an artist statement: At least 3-5 sentences which help others better understand & appreciate your art.
SURREALISM
After watching both of the videos below, create a surrealistic scene which includes transformation, dislocation and juxtaposition. The end result should be dream-like or nightmarish. Explore the idea of symbolism and your unconscious mind. The more strange, kooky, random, eerie, appropriately shocking and otherworldly the better!
BRAINSTORMING QUESTIONS
- What is the most INSANE (and appropriate) dream / nightmare you've ever had?
- What is the most bizarre scene you recall from a movie, show or book?
Requirements
- AT LEAST 6 HOURS
- You must include all 3 surrealistic elements listed below and each one must be visually separate from the others.
Transformation - Physically alter / change how something looks (bicycle with a jet engine)
Dislocation - Put something where it doesn't belong or in an unusual place (bicycle under water)
Juxtaposition - Place two things together that would be a strange combination (a fish riding a bicycle)
- Must have a foreground, midground and a background.
- Work from multiple references
- Must include an artist statement: At least 3-5 sentences which help others better understand & appreciate your art.
INSTRUCTIONAL
INSPIRATION
DRAWING TECHNIQUES & STYLES