PORTFOLIO ASSIGNMENT #3 - Transparent Construction

Assigned: tuesday, feb 10th

in-progress crit: thursday, feb 19TH

Critique: THURSDAY, FEB 26TH

Final Due Date: TUESDAY, MARCH 3RD BEGINNING OF CLASS (HANDED IN AND SUBMITTED VIA MOODLE)

ASSIGNMENT: Using sighting and 2-point perspective, draw an invented structure, a geometric object, or an environment in 2-point perspective Transparent Construction AND finish with Line Sensitivity. This drawing should take up the entirety of your paper, so you may need to attach flaps to your drawing during the transparent construction process.

Possible geometric objects include: appliances, electronic devices, furniture, etc.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Drawing should take up the whole paper

2. Object must be drawn TRANSPARENTLY. Meaning the back faces and back leading edge must be included.

3. Construction lines should be drawn lightly, but not erased.

MATERIALS:

• 18”x24” Strathmore Drawing Paper

• 2 sheets of newsprint, and blue tape to attach

• 36” Ruler and/or T-square

• Drafting Triangle

• Graphite pencils: 4H for the transparent construction. HB to 4B for contour (edges) of the object

DEFINITIONS

Applied Perspective - Perspective drawing which applies the rules of technical perspective in a representational drawing.

Transparent Construction - The reduction of all three-dimensional forms, both simple and complex, to their basic geometric solids. A transparent construction drawing is a depiction of these three-dimensional forms that suggests transparency – essentially defining information that is not actually visible from a fixed view point.

STEPS

Step 1 – Choose your object. Your object should be relatively complex and should lend itself to a cube or rectangular form in order for it to easily be translated into 2-point perspective (think of toys, computers, tvs, etc. - get creative!)

Step 2 – Ready your drawing station. Place your object in a space that you will be able to either leave or can easily set back up. Set up your drawing pad so that you can easily sight and draw. You may need to invest in a drawing board ($13 at Blick Art Materials). Lastly and most importantly - Place your object on an angle where one corner of the object is closer to you than all the others (this will ensure that the object is placed in 2-point perspective).

Step 3 – (4H Pencil) - Find your Horizon Line (Eye Level). Remember, you can easily find this by bringing your sighting stick to horizontally directly in front of your eyes. You can also use a view finder briefly if you would like in order to find where the eye level should be placed on your paper. Draw your horizon line on your paper with a ruler.

Step 4 – (4H Pencil) - Draw a very light gesture in the approximate space that you wish the obect to be placed on the page.

Step 5 – (4H Pencil) - Find the 2 main vanishing points for your object. Remember these are the points on the horizon line at which lines will converge. Draw the main shape of the object – whether that be a cube or rectangular prism. Use a ruler!

Step 6 – (4H Pencil) - Through a series of simple to more complex transparent construction techniques as well as sighting techniques, begin to break down the object into its basic forms. This step is the longest and will make up the majority of the drawing. Do not speed your way through this step. Use a ruler as much as possible!

Note: Be sure to not get too concerned with details too quickly. For instance – if you were to draw a key pad/board, do not draw each individual key at first. Instead draw out the rectangle that the keys exist within first, and then break it down from there. Be sure to give depth to things that have depth.

Step 7 - (HB-4B Pencils) – Once you have the object planned out on the page with your 4H pencil. Finish the drawing by adding interest with a range of darker pencils (HB-4B). Do not erase your transparent construction lines!

STUDENT EXAMPLES