List of A&D 113 Drawings. Grace Benedict O’Brien/Drawing Coordinator
COMPOSITION, TEXTURE and EXPRESSION Active drawing is maintained for the interpretation of textures. Choice of media can include ink/ink wash as well as dry drawing media.
DRAPERY: A maze of hanging drapery creates an environment that is experienced in an unusual way. There is great gestural movement, a wonderful play of light and shadow, and layering of the space through overlap, transparency and tonal relationships to explore. Students sit within the environment or on the perimeter and use a variety of charcoals to interpret their surroundings.
GENERAL PERSPECTIVE 1 point perspective exercises. 2 point perspective exercises using stacked cartons. The limited use of values on flat planes is introduced. Round objects in perspective is taught. Development of an interior drawings results.
LANDSCAPE STUDY Combining dry media to represent the masses and textures of the landscape teaches the student to explore mark-making, erasing and rebuilding drawing methods.
LINE Blind Contour, continuous contour, varied line contour, negative space contour. Open and closed compositions.
LINE HATCHING AND CROSS CONTOUR
OBJECT STUDY Changing your point of view of an object allows you to heighten observation and strengthen composition by exploring placement within your picture frame. Record basic visual information first (gesture) or create quick thumbnails to explore important characteristics. Experiment with position and placement and be selective if there are parts you want to emphasize. Once the subject is arranged (twice) to offer the strongest interest, explore different media to bring out structure, tonal areas or a sense of light. A final drawing can juxtapose these 2 views on the same page (either within a border or merging more freely on the page). Overall, respond to what is similar in the drawings since the object is repeated (harmony), and how your interpretations show differences (diversity).
ORGANIZATIONAL and PICTORIAL SPACE Students will identify a zone or space that is filled with scattered objects of varying sizes which have bee placed in the room. The line where the floor hits the wall can be used as a control to help determine the space within the drawing. Sighting and measuring will help to relate all objects to one another in this space.
A process of additive and subtractive drawing is encouraged by dividing the picture frame vertically into two parts.
PEN AND INK Drawing inks can be used full strength or diluted for wash techniques. The mark-making vocabulary of drawing with ink can extend from scribbled and drawn marks to fluid brush strokes, to thin transparencies and splatters. Some methods demand precise and subtle control. For sketching purposes, nylon, felt-tip, ballpoint and marking pens all offer convenient substitutes for traditional pen and ink which utilizes pen nibs, quill pens, reed pens, bamboo pens and metal pens. Value, texture and pattern can be amplified by pen, brush and ink.
POSTIVE/NEGATIVE Drawing the negative spaces
REFLECTIVE OBJECTS This drawing explores the effect of light on reflective objects. Tonal integrity is sought through an understanding of the overall value pattern. Graphite and/or mixed media.
REVERSE VALUE On black paper, the values are reversed, using a reverse value scale and white conte or white pencil.
SELF PORTRAIT One mid-term and one final self portrait study is required. Features are first explored individually for structure. Guidelines and demonstrations are used. Instructors can designate media to be used.
SIGHTING and MEASURING Exercises use vertical, horizontal and diagonal references to organize the drawing. Reference is made to the frame as well as making decisions about the orientation/axis of the drawing. Guidelines for sighting the proportions of the head from a profile view may also be taught.
SKELETON The skeleton is a complex subject matter that addresses volume, through the skull, ribcage and pelvis, as well as the interconnectedness of limbs and vertebrae. In this exercise, the focus was not only on the careful observation of the skeleton but using composition and value for expressive means.
TONED PAPER Students are asked to cover the page completely with red or sanguine conte. Students use both additive and subtractive drawing processes to create a variety of tones.
VALUE Cross-contour studies use round and other still life objects. Drapery, and striped cloth are also explored. Instructors can choose to limit the number of values. Students create a value scale.
VALUE Paper bags are used to explore edges, planes and amount of contrast. An emphasis on light and cast shadows help to create an awareness of space.