Today's Class- Although the stipple drawing dealt with value, our study of value in 2D art really started today. I reviewed definitions from the textbook related to value- the use of light and dark in two dimensional art to imply form, space, volume, time, and to focus attention. I showed several dozen slides of historical and contemporary art and explained how value contributed to each. Then I set up two simple still life groupings and had the class draw each with a different kind of charcoal and technique.
How to make this up- You will need to set up a still life with simple monochromatic objects- first all white, then mixed value. Each drawing will require a sheet of your 18" x 24" paper. One will be done as a value reduction- first fill the page with an even tone of vine charcoal, then use your kneaded eraser to draw the lights in the still life. The other will be a more traditional value drawing, using compressed charcoal to draw on a sheet of white paper. Student examples of both assignments, along with specific directions, can be found here.
These drawings are portfolio exercises and must be made up by the end of the semester to receive full credit, but if you have little or no experience with charcoal I recommend doing them before out next meeting for the experience, as the next charcoal drawings that you do are for a grade.
Homework- Nothing new, but if you still owe the stipple drawing or line final , the longer it takes for you to finish them, the more points will be lost.
****Columbus Day observed on 10/13/14- No class next Monday***
For next class 10/20/14- We will finish up our study of value with one last charcoal still life drawing, using subjects of assorted values. Those drawings will be collected to be graded. We will also devote time at the end of class to discussing our next graded project, a woodcut print. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, both kinds of charcoal, kneaded eraser, and spray fixative. Tools for blending the charcoal are optional.
