FINAL DRAWING PROJECT

Project description:

The final drawing is a life sized self portrait consisting of the entire figure set in a convincing environment.

Goals:

To create a drawing demonstrates a mastery of the techniques and topics covered throughout the year. These include form, light, space, value, composition, materials, and concept.

Materials:

Many materials and techniques are possible.

Requirements:

This is to be a life sized, representational self portrait. The minimum size is 36” x 48”. It may be as large as is practical. The drawing should show the figure from head to toe, although it is acceptable for an object or objects to block some of the portrait. The figure should exist in an environment that is spatially convincing and has a clear, consistent light source. The drawing will be in full value. Strive for a good range of deep darks and white lights. The drawing must demonstrate an understanding of structure, perspective, value, design and concept. There must be at least a one inch border on your paper.

The drawing must represent a minimum of ten hours of work, not counting preparatory sketches.

Methods: (See the timeline below for important due dates)

· Choose a pose from any image in art history.

· Begin with roughs and thumbnail sketches, placing yourself in the chosen pose. These can be in sketchbooks. Explore pose possibilities, lighting, and overall composition.

· Working from your sketches and life, develop a mock up of the final drawing on 14” x 17” paper. This drawing should have all of the major compositional elements in place, clearly explain the lighting situation and have all major environmental issues decided. This drawing does not have to be rendered volumetrically. We will discuss these in class.

· Execute the final drawing using appropriate materials.

March 29^th :

Quick sketchbook ideas and rudimentary thumbnails indicating a direction and possible designs will be looked at and discussed.

April 5^th :

Finalized thumbnail(s), approx. 14” x 17” showing concept. At least one thumbnail at this point should be a 3-4 value mock-up of the final piece, showing design intent. For discussion.

May 3^rd :

Final drawings due and critiqued. Full critique day.

Tips:

· Be creative and bold!

· Follow the schedule outlined above, but you may begin working on the final drawing at any time. Do not wait until too late to begin this project. Budget your time well. There should be a minimum of 10 hours of work put into the final drawing. The grade will be worth approx. 20% of your homework grade.

· Do not try to make your drawing pretty, but make it clear. Show me broad, clear, solid forms and good design sense through the use of value. USE THE SAME TECHNIQUES WE HAVE BEEN USING IN CLASS.

· Use figures drawn in class or master drawings to help you with poses. We can set up a pose in class to help if need be.

· Make serious preparations. Do not begin the final attempt without a clear idea of where you are going.

· Above all, work hard and have fun, and dare to go above and beyond the bare minimum of the assignment.

· Fully explore the possibilities of material. Often material choice is the key to achieving your goals.

· Make a museum quality piece, and be ready to present it well. Consider how you will hang it for critique. Leave nothing to chance.

· Larger rolls of paper can be found in most art supply stores. The final drawing should be on medium to heavy stock paper, the heavier the better. It may be wise to split the cost of a large roll among several of you. Consider working on toned paper to allow you to utilize white chalk for highlights.

· Use materials that will allow rich value possibilities. (Even a 6B pencil may not be sufficient.) Compressed charcoal, conte, etc.

Due date:

Wednesday, May 3^rd . This will be a full critique day. There can be NO extensions.