Portrait Assignment

 I really enjoyed this assignment. I feel like so far as portraits it just works so much better in person as opposed to working from an image. At the last minute I decided to add the texture of the robe that I had my model wearing and I'm not sure that was a wise decision. I feel like I should have focused on the shading as opposed to the texture, I think it detracts from the overall image. Because it was such a heavy texture when I went back to pull out highlights the graphite just smudged. After seeing some of the other students self-portraits I think that if I were to do this again I would do my base drawing with graphite and then use charcoal for the rest of the process.

Portrait Assignment

To finish out the semester, we will be working on a full-size portrait of another person. The portrait must be from the waist or mid-chest up, and they must have their chest area draped with a fabric of some sort (not a shirt or suit). This will allow you to concentrate on their faces, their features, their surroundings, and still have some areas to work into shape, form, mass, and texture if possible.

Things to note:

1. Using a model means that you MUST be able to coordinate with that person. DO NOT WAIT until the last minute. Be smart and set up a few times to use as backups.
2. Take photos if you feel they will be helpful or allow you to work when the model is not around
3. A bedsheet is less hot than a blanket, but use whatever you have
4. Consider your lighting. You may want to set up lighting for the first 5-10 minutes of getting your model ready
5. Consider your surroundings. Don't build a portrait floating in space. Show the entire area
6. Consider whether you will use an idealized portrait, psychological portrait, or objective portrait
7. You will be working on this for at least 2 weeks. That means you will need to be putting in 8-12 hours on this assignment alone. Make sure that your work reflects the amount of effort and time you are affording it.
8. Works that appear rushed, unfinished, or were not given the proper amount of time and effort will be graded accordingly.

Sketchbook Assignment 10: Self Portrait

Self Portrait Sketching

This week, we begin by working with someone who is always, ALWAYS available when we are. Ourselves. We will be building 3 full-page self-portraits in our sketchbook.

Find a good mirror. Swallow some humble pie, and get to work.
(personal note from Tyler Dockery: "I KNOW self portraits are hard. When I was younger all my self-portraits looked like Iggy Pop, Beaker from the muppet show or Wimply Fraggle (if you don't know who those are, look them up online). However, its a good part of the drawing experience, a good exercise, and no teacher ever laughs at your work. I promise."

Let one self-portrait be a standard self portrait. Let one self portrait be you making a funny, angry, or silly face. And let your last self portrait be something you think is really interesting- anything you want. Each should be a full-page piece 

 

This was supposed to be my silly face but when I drew it, it came out less silly than the face I was making.

 

Sketchbook Assignment 9: Landscape Sketching

Landscape Sketching

This week, you need to take a road trip. Or at least get out and walk. Find 4 locations to draw landscapes from (these can be both urban and rural, but not imaginary). For each landscape, please use a whole page from your sketchbook. Take care and plan ahead if you know some great locations, but also don't forget to consider the different essences of the landscapes you are choosing. Of course, your book has some good inspiration and information, but planning ahead and then working your plan will be the best bets to completing your work.

Sketchbook Assignment 8 : Working with Colored Pencils

Sketchbook Assignment: Working with Colored Pencils

This week, we will be working with colored pencils. YES, some of you have already done work with colored pencils, but not all of you. This week, find 6 items of with great color and sketch them in your sketchbook. 

The pin cushion is my favorite one, I really like how it came out.

Sketchbook Assignment 7: Understanding the Picture Plane

Sketchbook Assignment: Understanding the Picture Plane

Page 89 in your book outlines the picture plane. Set up a still life on an elongated surface, moving some items further back and some items closer to the front. ENSURE that you have some distance in the area. If you need to repurpose a table, or make use of a doorway or window, now is the time.

Sketchbook Assignment 6 : Linear Perspective

Sketchbook Assignment: Linear Perspective

This week, we are learning about 1,2 and 3 point perspective. What better time to practice! Split three pages from your sketchbook in half with a line. For each page, draw two versions of each perspective type.

Page 1: One Point Perspective: Using a single horizon line, create two one-point perspective drawings on the same page using any media you choose. Do not do drawings of railroads or roads by themselves please. These are very boring. Use your imagination, and don't lose points for doing boring work.

Page 2: Two Point Perspective: Using a single horizon line and a vertical central line, create two two-point perspective drawings on the same page using any media you choose.

Page 3: Three Point Perspective: Using a single horizon line as well as two additional vanishing points, create two three-point perspective drawings on the same page using any media you choose.

Midterm

Midterm Assignment: Form and Shape, Mass and Volume

Using knowledge from your book, skills you have learned, and techniques from your personal skill level, assignments, and sketching exercises, find or create a composition which emphasizes Shape and Form, Mass and Volume. This can be something that you build- like a still-life, something you have seen or setup- like a photo you take from a real life situation, or something completely fanciful that you have chosen or determined on your own- an imaginary composition which emphasizes shape, form, mass, and volume.