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

About Composition

Story Boarding Examples

Storyboards: Framing and Staging

What is a storyboard? 

Framing and Staging Shots: 

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:

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