Object Study Project
Exploring Materials, Styles, Compositions
Objective
To deepen your understanding of the elements and principles of design, as well as to enhance your skills in composition, rule of thirds, storyboarding, and object study.
Materials Needed:
Sketchbook
Conte Crayon/Charcoal
Large drawing paper
Pen or pencil
Various art materials (such as acrylics, watercolors, colored pencils, ink, collage materials, etc.)
20 pieces of 4.5x6" drawing paper
Part 1: Exploring Elements and Principles of Design
Step 1: Elements and Principles Selection
1. Choose one element and one principle of design from the list below:
Elements of Design
Line
Shape
Form
Color
Texture
Space
Value
Principles of Design
Balance
Contrast
Emphasis
Movement
Pattern
Rhythm
Unity
Step 2: Thumbnail Design
2. Create a 4x4-inch thumbnail sketch that represents your chosen element and principle in your sketchbook. Experiment with different compositions to convey the essence of these elements and principles.
Step 3: Understanding Composition, Rule of Thirds, and Storyboarding
Composition
Composition in art refers to the arrangement of visual elements within a work of art. It involves creating a visually pleasing and balanced layout.
Storyboarding
Storyboarding is a technique used in art and film to plan and visualize a sequence of events or ideas. It involves framing and staging scenes to convey a narrative or concept.
Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds divides your composition into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines. Important elements are placed along these lines or at their intersections to create a visually balanced and dynamic composition.
Composition Examples
Rule Of Thirds Examples
Part 2: Object Study Project
Step 1: Brainstorming and Materials
In your sketchbook, brainstorm and write down five object possibilities for your project. Then list 10 different art materials that you want to try in your object study.
Step 2: Thumbnail Sketches
Draw 10 thumbnail sketches in your sketchbook, exploring possible compositions for your chosen object. Experiment with various perspectives, angles, and arrangements.
Step 3: Large Drawing
On a large drawing paper, use a Conte Crayon to draw your chosen object. Your object should take up at least 50% of the page, and use gestural movement to add energy and expressiveness to your drawing.
Step 4: Object Description
In your sketchbook, open to a spread. On the left page, write about your object. Describe its significance, qualities, and if applicable, any sensory experiences associated with it (smell, texture, sound, etc.). Imagine describing it to someone who cannot see it.
On the right page, create a refined drawing of your object using pen or pencil.
Step 5: Variations
Using the same object, create 20 variations. Experiment with at least five different art mediums, explore various compositions, and incorporate different elements and principles of design. Use 20 pieces of 4.5x6" drawing paper for these variations.
Traditional Mediums:
Pencil, Charcoal, Ink (pen, brush, calligraphy tools), Watercolor, Acrylics, Pastels (oil and soft), Gouache, Textiles (fabric, yarn, embroidery thread), Printmaking (etching, woodcut, linocut, silk screen), etc.
Experimental Mediums:
Coffee/tea stains, Organic elements (leaves, flowers, seeds), Recycled stuff (cardboard, plastic, caps), Foods (spaghetti, dyed grains), Natural pigments (berries, spices, clay), Found objects, Ephemeral items (sand, ice, water), Bio-art (bacteria, plants), Unique canvases (clothes, shoes), Food (gelatin, sugar, chocolate)
Grading Criteria:
Creativity and experimentation with materials and compositions.
Effective representation of the chosen element and principle.
Attention to detail in the object study.
Clarity and depth in the object description.
Completion of 20 variations showcasing variety in mediums and design elements.
Submission:
Submit your sketchbook, large drawing, and 20 variations for assessment. Be prepared to discuss your artistic choices and the evolution of your object study.
Examples:
Click images to see Mini Series