Man who wishes to know about the world must learn about it in its particular details. – Heraclitus
The assignment focuses on natural objects with complex (and beautiful) structure and texture. The students set up a composition balancing positive and negative space, using sea shells and insects – either or both.
Careful observation is key. I suggest they use a magnifying glass. I ask they consider the quality of the lines they use. What sort of lines represent structure? What sort of line represent texture? By now they want to have a larger selection of fine(r) markers.
A couple of students have a particularly challenging time and I suggest short breaks for them. The weather is so nice now, walking or moving will help to settle them.
Here are fine examples of the drawings. Note composition, quality of line and the attention to detail.
Close up and personal by Virginia
Bug Portrait by Marco
Shell Game by Kat
Bug and Shells by Is SaK
Sally Sells Seashells by the Seashore by Angela
The Starry Fish by Vince Van D’oh! by Virgil
Sea Dreams by Anita
Equanimity by Amareli
Deux Ex Machina by Anthony
Three Stooges by Adonis
Advanced students use scratchboard. Here is one example by Victoria – still in progress.
Victoria’s shells on scratchboard (in progress)
Watch the greater image materialize. You need that thing over there to tell you what to do about that thing over here. -Robert Genn
Structure – a complex system of parts arranged together (to form a whole)
Texture – tactile quality of a surface
The student’s task for this assignment is to learn to distinguish different types of lines. They look for those that form a structure and those that define a surface. I bring out large and small sea shells. I also bring out my collection of insects and lizards. Secretly I wish they will all choose the creatures, but I know better than to insist on this.
Aside from looking at the lines that make up a complex natural object they also work to balance positive and negative space. And they continue to develop patience.
Victoria’s dead lizard and a spiral shell
detail of lizard
Brittany’s Bees – Two of them
Kanata’s See shells, Sea shells
detail (amusing tarantula wasp)
Kevin’s (maybe ready to kiss) cicada and palo verde beetle
first sketch – too small
Robert’s shell studies
Maygin’s shells and mantis
detail mantis face
Alma’s shell corner
The assignment: to study and identify complex structure and complex texture, create a composition and balance the positive and negative space. The subject-matter for the majority of the student’s are shells. They can make other choices with homework.
I consider this assignment to be a turning point. The commitment is big and the work is intense. Students must work slow and careful using a magnifying glass to see, and see more.
Take a look at some of the finished drawings. Note the advanced students work on scratchboard.
detail shot of one of Anne’s shells
Ali’s dry leaf
Terry’s hand and seed pod.
Heather’s starfish shell.
Drawing 2 students use scratchboard and work off of photos. Clearly they have more freedom but the assignment requires steady patience.
Charles’ bird on scratch board.
Susan’s work on scratchboard
Look closely. The beautiful may be small. ― Immanuel Kant
The focus of this assignment – structure and texture, parts and surface – of the forms. Students also take time to consider the placement of subject matter into the picture plane. They construct a composition and balance out positive and negative space.
Everyone picks their shells, magnifying glasses get pulled out. The work to look at structure and define texture begins. They look closely. They see. They identify. They put it down. Emotions run high. Throughout the assignment we discuss stylizing.
Critique is great.
… a few highlights
Descending Collection – by Melissa
Different Shells, Different Textures – by Alejandra
The Shells from the Great Abyss – by Kyle
Fossil Poop – by Kris
Silhouette – by Segio
Shells – by Aaron
Sally Sells Sea Shells – by Brittany
“Pure drawing is an abstraction.” Paul Cezanne
Because they’ve worked with me before, Joey and Julietta get some choices. They pick the subject matter and among other things I offer scratchboard and a needle tool. They accept the challenge . The result is stunning. Joey draws a seed pod and Julietta works from a photo.
For Drawing 1 students, the subject matter, on this round, are shells. Students learn to define structure and texture though the use of a variety of line. They also set up a composition by balancing the positive and the negative space. The result is a beautifully detailed drawing. I’ve explained in earlier postings of this particular assignment, for many students it’s a turning point. For Yari and Salman below, it certainly is that.
Next we are outdoors. We’ll be working on spatial depth. Phoenix give us a cool down…please.