3-1a: Chiaroscuro Sketchbook Exercises

Exercises 1 & 2 are due by 6pm, M (4/12)

Materials

Draw an egg (or sphere) using a single, strong light source-- the light source should be close to the egg, at about a 45-degree angle above.
Use graphite pencils on white paper in your sketchbook.
Make the scale of the drawing monumentalized so that the egg is larger than actual size and fills the drawing paper.
There should be a horizon line behind the egg and the area above that line should be dark, so the highlights and form shadows are in contrast with the background.
Include all five areas of chiaroscuro: highlight, form shadows, core/deep shadow, reflected light, and cast shadow.
Shade by using continuous tone (this is called "sfumato").
Try to arrange the lighting so a full range of contrast is achieved on the actual egg, and then draw it.

Take your time!

When you finish-- take 1 photo of your drawing

On a new page, lightly sketch a grid that divides your paper into 4 rectangles.
You will now make 4 smaller (life-sized) drawings of your egg (or sphere), using one rectangle per drawing.
Change the direction of your light source, make (2) charcoal drawings
- Shade your egg by using continuous tone (this is called "sfumato")
- Use light layers to build up the shadows; you can also draw with your eraser.
- Add the highlights last (with your white charcoal)
Change the direction of your light source, make (2) ink (pen/marker) drawings
- You can lightly sketch with your pencil first, then switch to ink/marker (if you prefer)
- Shade your egg by using one (or more) of these mark-making techniques: hatching, stippling, cross-hatching
Draw some of the surrounding area around your egg.
Include all five areas of chiaroscuro: highlight, form shadows, core/deep shadow, reflected light, and cast shadow.
Try to arrange the lighting so a full range of contrast is achieved on the actual egg, and then draw it.

Take your time!

When you finish-- take 1 photo of your drawing

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