Egyptian ART: 

Figures in tooling foil

Part 1: The History

One of the greatest ancient civilizations was Egypt, whose works of art leave us in awe today. Art includes paintings, sculptures, drawings on papyrus, jewelry, ivories, architecture, and other art media. It is also very conservative: the art style changed very little over time. Much of the surviving art comes from tombs and monuments, giving more insight into the ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs.  

For this project we will:

• Study the Egyptian Artists' use of proportion 

• Create art inspired by the Egyptian art of storytelling and the functional role art played in their life.

• Learn the art of embossing to create a foil relief. 

Egyptian ART: 

Figures in tooling foil

Part 2: Drawing the figure in proportion

There is so much variation in bodies among individuals that it is impossible for everyone to fit into any set of standards. The unique qualities of each individual are part of the challenge, complexity and fascination of depicting the figure.

For this project we will:

• learn a few general proportions helpful to drawing your figures.

• Draw the male/female figure in proportion.

• Develop your own character through details and rendering.

Draw a boy/girl figure using the standard of proportion you learned in the slide show, and render each drawing to create an original character.

Egyptian Art:

Figures in tooling foil

Part 3: Drawing the Egyptian figure

The Egyptian figure is drawn in profile with the exception of the chest and the eye.

For this project we will:

• Learn to draw the Egyptian figure in profile with the exception of the chest and eye using general proportions.

• Learn how to add clothes to your figure.

• Practice drawing your own Egyptian/Contemporary character borrowing references and using your imagination.  

Practice drawing the shapes of the Egyptian figure in the 3 margins packet provided. You will also practice drawing your own Egyptian/Contemporary character borrowing references and using your imagination.  

Egyptian Art:

Figures in tooling foil

Part 4: Understanding and drawing the moving figure

When drawing, you can figure out the proportional relationship between one object and another by using your pencil as a measuring device. 

For this project we will:

• Learn to draw and dress the moving figure

• Tell your Story: Draw yourself engaged in your favorite Activity  

• Practice drawing the figure by using your pencil as a measuring tool 

• Develop your own  drawing to look like you in a contemporary/Egyptian style moving figure character

You will draw yourself as an Egyptian/Contemporary character telling a story about what you enjoy doing.  

Egyptian Art:

Figures in tooling foil

Part 5: Hieroglyphs

Hieroglyphics is a writing system that uses pictures and symbols instead of letters and words. It is most often associated with the ancient Egyptian.  The word hieroglyph means “holy carving.” The Egyptians used hieroglyphs on their temple walls and public monuments.

For this project we will:

• Drawing your first and last name in Hieroglyphs

• Finalize your drawing by adding your Hieroglyphs

• Create a color study for your final work of art

Add Hieroglyphs to your final drawing by following the steps in the slide show Part 5: Hieroglyphs.  

Egyptian Art:

Figures in tooling foil

Part 6: Creating your Egyptian Embossing

Many Indigenous civilizations in the Americas used a metalworking technique called repoussé or metal embossing, in which metal is shaped by hammering or pressing from the back side to create a design that pops out on the front. These civilizations often used repoussé to create beautifully designed pectorals and pendants out of gold. Artists often depicted animals and plants in their surroundings to represent the power of the sun and nature.

For this project we will:

• Transfer your final drawing on foil tooling

• Learn how to Emboss your drawing onto foil

• Finalize your work in color using sharpies

Your homework assignment:

Complete your embossing and apply color using sharpies. following your color study as a reference.