Requirements

• Create a surreal artwork using bones as the main subject

• Use drawing, painting, or mixed media techniques

• Apply surrealist principles (like transformation, juxtaposition, or scale)

• Focus on original, imaginative idea development

• Combine realistic details with dream-like or fantastical elements

• Refine technical art skills (shading, blending, texture, etc.)

• Create a visually compelling composition that tells a story or conveys a deeper meaning

Material Options

Directions: Spend at least 2 days exploring these drawing from observation techniques. 

1. Blind Contour Drawing: This type of drawing is when you do quick sketches without looking at the paper. 

   • Portrait- Draw the person in front of you without looking at the paper. You can also do this with a photo of a person on your ipad if needed but it is not ideal. 

   • Object- Find an object as your subject matter; preferably some type of skull but this object must be something you can put in front of you so look around the room or in the back right closet to find something you can use. Do a few quick blind contour drawings of different angles of it. The purpose is to increase focus on the object itself rather than the perfection of the drawing.

2. Gesture Drawing: A gesture drawing is a quick, expressive sketch that captures the action, form, and pose of a subject, often in a short amount of time. Do three quick 2-minute gesture drawings of the still-life objects. Focus on capturing the overall shape and movement of the objects without getting caught up in the details.

3. Continuous Line- These are similar to gesture drawings but you are not allowed to lift the pencil. Do 2-3 continuous line sketches of objects or views of the room without lifting your pencil.

4. Set Up the Still Life: Arrange a still life with a variety of complex forms, textures, and surfaces (glass, fabric, fruit, etc.). Position a strong light source to create dramatic highlights and shadows. There is a shelf in the back right closet with still-life objects you can use. 

   • Begin by lightly sketching the basic shapes and proportions of the objects. Use light lines and focus on getting the overall composition correct before adding details. Then start refining the drawing: Once the basic shapes are in place, gradually build up the details, focusing on texture, light, and shadow. Use different pencil grades to vary line weight and shading intensity. Lastly, build in the value: Develop the value range in your drawings, starting with the mid-tones and gradually building the darker shadows. Use the eraser to lift out highlights and refine the drawing’s depth.

Observation Techniques:

• Seeing vs. Knowing: Observational drawing is about drawing what you see, not what you think an object should look like. Pay close attention to how light interacts with the object.

• Value and Light: Explain how to use value (light to dark) to create the illusion of three-dimensional form. Point out the darkest areas (core shadow), mid-tones, and highlights on the objects.

• Measuring and Proportion: Demonstrate how to measure proportions using their pencil or thumb to gauge size relationships between different objects or parts of the object (e.g., width vs. height, relative distances).

1. Independently look through this presentation which gives you an overview of the assignment.

2. Take inspiration from the artwork or take note of things you want to avoid. 

1. You are familiar with juxtaposition, but take a look at these other principles of surrealism. These are different ways Surrealist artists can manipulate reality to make unique and different art.

2. Take notes in your sketchbook and draw a mini sketch for each. 

1. Look over the artists and find 2 that really stand out to you. You can also research your own. 

2. In your sketchbook:

   1. Take note of 3 things you like about their work.

   2. Describe how they use bones as inspiration. 

   3. How do they use surrealism? What principles of surrealism do you see?

1. You will create 3-4 thumbnail sketches that explore different surreal compositions using bones and skulls. 

• Size and Scale: Playing with the size of bones/skulls in relation to other objects.

• Juxtaposition: Placing bones in unexpected environments (e.g., floating in a dreamscape or merging with nature or mechanical objects) or attaching them to unexpected objects/animals.

• Transformation: Morphing skulls into other forms (e.g., skulls transforming into flowers, melting into liquid, or turning into abstract shapes).

Develop 3-5 potential surreal ideas, incorporating bones/skulls into an imaginative context.

1. Final Composition Selection: Choose one of your thumbnail sketches to develop into a full-size composition. You will refine the arrangement of objects, paying attention to composition, balance, and surreal transformations.

2. Detailed Sketching: On large drawing paper (no smaller than 12x18" and no larger than 18x24" paper), students will begin their final composition, focusing on:

• Accurate drawing of skulls and bones with attention to form, perspective, and texture.

• Integration of surreal elements (e.g., distorted proportions, blending with other objects or landscapes).

• Strong compositional techniques such as leading lines, focal points, and contrast.