Building Blocks Part #1 Drawing Variations
Background
When the required Freshman course called Drawing/Imaging was conceived almost 10 years ago, bridging digital and analog media became an important goal of our new assignments. The idea for this sequence came to me on a long flight to Colorado, a 6 hour stretch of quiet time I used to brainstorm an entire new syllabus.
I remembered my friend, Lynne, had these super sized building blocks when her kids were little, and luckily she still had them! They have been tucked away in a locker ever since, pulled out for this occasion, once every semester.
This two part project begins with drawing in sketchbooks and moves on to become the vehicle for teaching Photoshop. We begin this assignment after learning how to compose simple geometric shapes in closeup views using a technique similar to isometric drawing. We do not even discuss scientific perspective, orthogonals and vanishing points until after this assignment is completed.
Setup
During the first 3 hour studio session, I create an arrangement of blocks in the center of the room on our model stand. I use a large white sheet of paper underneath, and set them up like a city, making sure to use varying heights and to use windows and openings to see through to other forms. The still life needs to be interesting from all four sides. The blocks become quite architectural and resemble archeological ruins.
I have two lights that I aim at it from both sides, to create drama, but not necessarily consistent light from any one source. I’m looking for light hitting some forms and not others, and creating strong shadows.
Setup, Sketching and Photos in Class
In Class
I have the students bring their stools and sketchbooks and make a ring around the setup in the center of the class. I ask them to use a VIEWFINDER or they can use their cameras as viewfinders to help them compose closely cropped compositions in small thumbnail form.
They will spend the 3 hour class time drawing these sketches from observation, taking photos at the end of class to complete their Homework assignment at home.
I time them in 20-30 minute increments and move them around throughout the class so they can have different perspectives to work from. We talk about how their point of view (standing, sitting, crouching) changes the perspective and the emotional resonance of their drawings. We talk about the importance of active negative space and trapped shapes. They are encouraged to think about how their composition moves the viewer through the space.
The last 15 minutes of class is used to have each student take 50+ closeup photos of the setup from every different angle and point of view. These will be used for their homework assignment.
I also take 50+ photos of the setup to share with students who might be absent or who didn’t take good shots.
Homework Assignment
Create 4 different drawings based on 4 different Building Block photos. Feel free to edit, alter, and crop as your compositions require.
One drawing should cover a two page spread in your sketchbooks, full bleed (off the pages).
One drawing should be on toned paper. It can be small or a larger scale, determined by the medium you choose to work with. Prismacolor pencils would work with a small page. Conte crayon, nupastel, charcoal, or other sticks demand a larger size paper. Keep the paper color a mid value, so you can use both white and black media.
Two smaller drawings in your sketchbook, or on better paper tipped in. One of these should be done in black ink line using hatching for tones. The other is your choice.
Working with Toned Paper (Links to an external site.)– click to see Strathmore instructional PDF
