1-2c: Continuous Line Exercise

Contour— Still Life Continuous Line Drawing (~35 min)

Still Life Defined

A still life is a representation (like a drawing or photograph) of inanimate objects (anything that does not move or is dead.)

Look at the following slides for examples of still lifes—

If you'd like to view additional examples: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/student-resource/exam-help/still-life

1-2c: Sketchbook Exercise (~35 min)

Prep: (15 min)

• Choose a still life from the slides (or the linked Tate Museum slide show) to inspire you.

• Select 5 objects from around your house.

• Set up a still life (loosely based on the still life example you chose) in a location that is clearly visible from your drawing workspace.

• Take 3 photos of your still-life from different angles/vantage points— they should be well lit, well composed, without anything in the frame that is not supposed to be in it.

Continuous Line Exercise (Timed; 20 min.)

• Use your Prismacolor Ebony pencil (6B or softer) and Sketch Pad. (If you don't have your supplies, use a regular pencil & paper.)

• Make a continuous line drawing of the objects in your still life, all connected by the continuous line.

• Draw each object independently, and don't worry about their scale (relative size) or position in space.

• Look at the object closely, slowly drawing along the contour of the object until you arrive back at where you started.

• Fill your paper and allow the objects to overlap.

• Do not look at the paper while you are drawing.

• Time yourself. Spend exactly 20 minutes on this drawing.

When you finish:

• Take a photo of your continuous line drawing.

• Be sure to save your 3 still life photos & 1 drawing photo in a folder on your computer!