Unit 1

Line

Line is defined as the path of a moving point through space. As an element of visual art, line is the use of various marks, outlines, and implied lines while creating an artwork or design. A line's defining characteristics are its length, width, and direction. Lines can be descriptive or expressive, and are one of the most important elements of art when creating a work of art.

Unit 1 assignments and activities

Observational Line Drawing - Shoe

- Draw a shoe from observation, focusing on line, shape, proportion and drawing what you see.

Master Copy - Upside Down Igor Drawing

Turn the image upside down before you draw. This will force you into a right brain mode, which will help you focus more accurately on observation.
Focus on drawing the shapes, lines, and spaces that you see instead of the idea of what you see. Cover portions of the image while you work and focus on capturing accurate proportions.
Compare the size of individual shapes to the overall whole while you work. Make corrections as you go instead of erasing the entire thing or starting over.

Blind Contour Drawing

Students will practice the concept of blind contour drawing through a series of observational drawings.
The process of blind contour drawing is not meant to create realistic works of art; instead, students should focus on practicing hand-eye coordination.
While creating a blind contour drawing, students may not look at their paper for the entirety of the drawing. Instead, students should focus on letting their eye slowly trace over the lines that they are observing while simultaneously allowing their hand to follow the movement of their eye.
While drawing, do not lift your pen! Instead, create one smooth, continuous line. If you need to trace back over a line or move to another point, allow the pen to move across the paper to the desired location.
Don't worry about what your drawing looks like! Focus on what you are doing - slowly tracing your eye over what you see, while your hand follows the same path.
Students will complete a minimum of the following:
- 5 hands in different positions
- 1 hand holding an object
- 1 face from observation using a table partner

Students should utilize the tutorial videos to the right to help them understand the purpose and practice of blind contour drawing.

Five (5) Contour Line Hands

Draw a series of 5 hands from observation in different positions using clean, consistent contour line.
Hands may be sketched lightly in pencil first. Draw lightly and allow your marks to be loose at this stage. Move your arm and shoulder when sketching instead of your wrist and fingers, as you have a higher range of motion and control this way. Make sure you are constantly referencing back to your model and drawing from observation!
Finish your drawing by tracing over your pencil sketch in black ink using clean, consistent contour line. Erase all pencil lines upon completion!
Fit all 5 Hands on one page. Vary the scale and position of each drawing to fit all five hands on one sketchbook page or spread.

Expressive Line Project

Students will utilize the element of art Line and the principles Variety and Emphasis to create an intricately detailed non-objective design with a clear, defined focal point.

Requirements:

- Must be completed using black Sharpie (Fine and Ultra Fine) and Micron Pens on 9"x9" drawing paper.
- Must be non-objective (no recognizable subject matter).
- Must contain a clear Focal Point or are of Emphasis based on the rule of thirds.
- Must contain a variety of line weight (thickness of line).
- Must demonstrate good, clean craftsmanship.

Procedures:

Complete the Line Exploration Worksheet. Create a series of 9 unique and individual non-objective designs based upon the ideas and prompts provided in class. Focus on usage of space, variety of lines, and craftsmanship (neatness).
Using the template provided, create at least 2 thumbnail drawings of a composition of expressive line designs that have a clear focal point (area of Emphasis) based upon the rule of thirds. Thumbnails may be sketched in pencil and do not need to include every detail, but should give a good idea of what the final composition will look like.
When you are confident with your chosen composition, you may begin transferring your design to your final paper. Draw out the broad shapes and lines lightly in pencil first, but draw your details and designs directly in pen/sharpie. Practice good craftsmanship and remember to include a wide variety of different types of designs. Be creative!

Report abuse