Create a new drawing by copying a figure drawing completed (from a long pose) in class and within this new drawing depict the figure in a thematic environment. The figure and in particular the environment should formally depict a progression of space. Utilizing and/or thinking about light source will also be beneficial for the drawing.
Size: 18 x 24 inches on white cartridge paper
(If you wish to use other types of paper, discuss paper options with instructor)
Materials: Tonal Drawing on white cartridge paper (18 x 24 inches) using a choice of black charcoal with charcoal pencils, and/or black & white conte sticks.
(Instructor recommends black & white conte)
Objectives of Assignment:
-To demonstrate the ability to depict mass and planes (figure and other subject matter) in relation to space while utilizing variations of light and shadow in a black and white drawing.
-In order to get space depicted in the drawing assignment, incorporate a room with a window with a view to the outside, or open doors, or walls that angle into space. (generally more detail, higher contrast and sharper edges required in foreground with a gradual progression of out of focus edges, less contrast and detail towards middle ground to background areas)
-Explore various drawing sensibilities from controlled to manipulated and expressive mark making on drawing surface.* (generally more control and detail required in foreground with a progression of more expressive mark making towards background).
-This assignment is meant as a culmination of the various black and white drawing materials and formal ideas experienced within this figure study course.
-For this assignment and as in the previous homework assignment people will be expected to develop themes in relation to subject matter as well as their formal approaches to drawing materials.
Subject Matter:
Select volumes, planes and space that will present a definite sense of foreground, middle ground, and background (deep space) in the drawing. Generally a combination of organic and geometric shapes will give a composition good visual variety in the drawing.
*This assignment requires an emphasis of drawing from observation but you can also incorporate an expressive interpretation which should connect to the themes and concepts in the work, but do try to have more detail and clarity as subject matter progresses to foreground. Select expressive characteristics should appear intentional with in the context of observational drawing.
Thematic Content:
Here again the use of thematic content is an important concern. As discussed in previous homework assignment Thematic Content may involve choosing symbols, metaphors, allegories, narratives, myths, icons, motifs or combining some of these choices.
Thematic content may also be like a word in a poem where a given word has multiple layers of meaning but connects to the poem’s overall theme. Once again you as the artist have the goal of trying to bring multiple layers of meaning into the completed assignment.
Formal Issues and Examples of Various Black and White Drawings:
Below are links which may assist in researching formal issues when depicting subject matter in black and white drawings. These are ideas in the links below have been covered in class and in the previous homework assignment in course.
This link below will present examples and ideas about drawing objects.
*This link will also present various formal issues that will include: process of drawing, additive and subtractive layering of mediums, mark making, mixing of black and white mediums, strategic depiction of (or lack) of detail and contrast.
*Variation of edges in shapes from sharp edges (hard edge) to soft edges (blurry edges) and all of these issues considered in relation to space and composition.
http://derekbruecknercourseinformation.blogspot.com/2008/04/blog-post_12.html
This link below will offer some formal examples of drawing exteriors using various options of black and white materials. Over all these examples in the link below present a very good depiction of deep space and in some examples offer a very good use of atmospheric perspective.
http://derekbruecknercourseinformation.blogspot.com/2009/04/exterior-rendered-drawings.html
2 Examples of Assignment by Students:
EVALUATION CRITERIA:
Thematic Content (20%)
Thematic Content may involve choosing symbols, metaphors, allegories, narratives, myths, icons, motifs or combining some of these choices.
Connecting Thematic Content with Formal (5%)
How does the formal ideas in the work connect with the Thematic Content?
Formal Ideas in Work (75%)
Formal Ideas Evaluation Breakdown:
Anatomical Proportions (35%):
As in the line drawing assignment proportions of the figure will be very important for assignments in the figure study course.
Layering Process (10%):
Begin the drawing with basic planes of light and shadow, gradually build up drawing thinking about the flowing ideas below. Mistakes are inevitable, consider a layering and editing process as you gradually accumulate layers on the drawing. Consider additive and subtractive processes but do not obsessed with perfection during the early stages of the drawing. For gesture drawing you will need to rely on repetitive practice and instinctual processes more.
Strategic Use of Detail (10%):
Through practice the goal is for a refined rendering style that offers a strategic use of detail and high contrast in the foreground. Ideally the drawing will progressively decrease in detail and contrast as the viewer reaches the background. Do not get overwhelmed with the need to have detail and precision in the entire drawing.
Strategic Use of High and Low Contrast (10%):
Increased contrast can assist the edges in the foreground to appear sharper, while the edges of forms in the background begin to slightly dissolve if contrast is low.
Strategic Use of Hard and Soft Edges (10%):
Generally hard (sharply in focus) edges should be in foreground areas while edges progressively become softer (out of focus) as shapes progress to background
