Monday, September 7, 2009

Art I: Introduction to Drawing


-remember that drawing is more about seeing than…drawing
-observe approximately 75% of the time; draw approximately 25% of the time
-orient yourself to your drawing and your subject as both artist and viewer; use a viewfinder when drawing from observation
-take joy in the use of materials; get “in the zone”
-remember that drawing is the creation of an illusion: the illusion of form and space; drawing is the visual language we use to describe what we see

Elements and Principles of Design
shape: the two-dimensional structure of a given object
form: the three-dimensional structure of a given object
value: the degree of light and dark of an area
form shadow: a shadow on a given object which helps to reveal its form
shadow edge: the edge where a shadow meets a lighter value
reflected light: indirect light reflected from surface to surface
cast shadow: a shadow resulting from an object interfering with the light source
highlight: the area of lightest value on a given object
light source: the direct source and direction of light (determines most value relationships)
background: the area and space furthest from the viewer
foreground: the area and space closest to the viewer
contrast: the difference(s) between darks and lights in an image

Final "Basic Forms" studies must include but are not limited to a total of 10 drawings:
-a segmented and continuous value scale (cw)
-5 drawings of imagined spheres; differing light sources (2 in pencil; 2 in crayon; one on toned (Mi Tientes) paper with high/low value colored pencil) (quiz)
-Drawings of an imagined cone, cube, and cylinder (medium is student's choice) (quiz)
-2 observational drawings of simple objects with one definitive light source (medium is student's choice) (quiz)
-Response to Mr. Kefor's blog post regarding basic drawing techniques (hw)

1. THE BLOCK-IN. The block-in is all about observation, shape and measurement. Through your viewfinder, look for linear relationships between objects. Grip your instrument loosely and draw with the arm. Do not over-commit to any of the marks you make. Using very soft, gentle strokes, begin to “map out” the framework of your subject. Do not be satisfied with any lines that appear inadequate or incorrect. Pay special attention to contours and negative space. Block-in shapes first, then shadows. Group shadows as simply as possible; ask yourself: is this a light or a shadow? and group the shapes accordingly. Try squinting in order to "blur" the values and make them more manageable. Any mistakes made during the block-in phase will be amplified by the time the drawing is complete. Step away from your drawing periodically; viewing it from a distance is extremely helpful.
2. BUILDING VALUE. Building value is all about identifying the range of values you observe in the subject. Group your values based on a scale of one to ten. Beginning with your “darkest dark”, begin to build a range of value on your paper. Choose a direction or type of mark and stick with it (avoid any mark that requires a back and forth motion). Areas of shade should be built through repetition, not force. Unnecessary force will scar the paper prematurely, leaving the drawing sloppy and unrefined. Step away from your drawing periodically.
3. EDGING. Making a hard edge is easy; making a soft edge requires more patience. Edges convince the eye that it is viewing something real; edges turn shapes to forms and create space (the most advanced element of drawing). Step away from your drawing periodically.

Edges are sharpest when:
-objects are close to the viewer
-high-contrast values intersect

Edges are softest when:
-objects are farther from viewer
-low-contrast values intersect

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yo - Colby Williams

Anonymous said...

YAY SPHERES!!!!!!!!!! (we are supposed to leave these blogs at some point or another right so you can know we can?

-rebekah sargent

Anonymous said...

Hi,

I guess I made it here ok.
I brought my sphere from class home on Thursday and I think I've finished it. Plus, I've started working on a smaller, red one! It's looking good so far.

-Bryanna D.
Art 1

Anonymous said...

Although I switched in late and was a little nervous, the class seems very good so far. I don't know much about drawing, but I definitely want to know more.

~Emily Jestus

Anonymous said...

WOOOO ART 1!! :)

-Danielle Puopolo

Anonymous said...

i am blogging! woohooo!

Scott Coleman

Anonymous said...

Heyy i really like art class its so much fun:))
-Allison Alioto

Anonymous said...

hey, i like cubes so much better than spheres
-stephanie belcher

Marco orlando said...

Drawing spheres at first was pretty tough but i think im getting the hang of it.- Marco Orlando

Anonymous said...

haha reading everyones blogs is kinda entertainingg.
your class is soo relaxing, its like the only class we can all be ourselves in.

-jess milano(:

Anonymous said...

I wish I could join your class instead of physics and writing responses to EVERY tracker we solve in shop. It is pretty easy with the exception of Syncron Eyes, Edline/Grade Quick, and SMART RESPONSE. Don't ask me what SMART RESPONSE is cause I have no idea.


Please leave some ideas for my senior project at my e-mail: lmwefers@comcast.net or on Mr. Kefor's Brain Storming post.

Anonymous said...

woo art1! i watched the demos and i guess i leave the comment here?...-ashley carlson