Serving Art Educators
and Students Since 1994
Submitted by: Nicole Brisco, Pleasant Grove High School, Texarkana, Texas
UNIT: Observational Drawing - Perspective - Charcoal
Grade Level: High School
Objective:
Students will create two extended linear line drawings. Students should focus on perspective and depth in their compositions. Each student will be expected to complete one drawing in charcoal and one in paint.
You should begin by finding an interesting and complex area in the classroom or around the school. Walls with bricks, wiring, or patterns make a good choice. Sink areas also provide a "complex" area to draw. Draped fabric provides interesting line patterns. Build a foundation for your drawing with straight lines that build a framework for your final piece. The final work should allow the lines to breathe. Both works must incorporate the lines. If you choose to complete a third drawing, the lines are optional.
Students should focus on the following in creating their finished piece:
Paper under 18X24 (46 x 61 cm) (Rives BFK paper
)
Taped Edges
Extended Linear Lines. These lines should be incorporated in a smooth way. Lines should show
Strong and accurate contour lines
Strong contrast using light
Lay in a ground with taped edges
Appropriate use on the charcoal. The following can be used: Charcoal Pencils, Pressed or Willow Charcoal, Kneaded Rubber Erasers
, Magic Rub Erasers
, Woodless Graphite
Use of the eraser method.
Strong Composition.
All surface covered
Weighted Line
PAINTING
Paper under 18X24 (46 x 61 cm) (Rives BFK paper
)
Taped Edges
Extended Linear Lines Using 1/16th inch Tape. These lines should be incorporated in a smooth way. Lines should show. Consider the possibilities with color inside the lines
Strong and accurate contour lines
Strong contrast using light with color
Appropriate use of the paint. Students should use an extension of the complimentary color palette or the monochromatic color palette
Use of an individual technique
Strong Composition.
All surface covered
Appropriate additions to make the composition complete
Books
Life Drawing in Charcoal - This book illustrates a variety of charcoal drawing techniques including shading and sketching.
Creative Paint Workshop for Mixed-Media Artists - A workshop-style book, oriented to the wide community of crafters and artists including those interested in paint, surface design, mixed media, and collage, which explores a wide variety of innovative and experimental paint techniques. Chapters cover composition, abstraction, texture, layering, using found objects, encaustic, integrating text, and adding digital imagery.