Due:
Wednesday, October 28


Project Description: 
Using oil pastel or another rich color medium, draw a traditional self-portrait in the style of Rembrandt van Rijn.

The room should be rather dark, with a single light source (such as from a small lamp) directed at you to create a good sense of form. Try for dramatic lighting, and a good break-down of light, middle and dark tones. Set yourself up in front of a mirror, with your face turned at a 3/4 angle to the mirror. With a light pencil line (using an HB pencil or lighter), rough out the general proportions of your head, neck and shoulders. Then, block in the shadows with oil pastel, beginning lightly, then gradually blending color upon color and applying more pressure for smoother colors.


Medium: 

• Oil pastel

Objectives: 

• Accurately render facial structure and features 
• Create color harmony 
• Hone technical skills with the medium 

Grading Criteria: 

• Likeness 
• Facial Structure 
• Light and Form 
• Color 
• Craftsmanship 

To Start: 

• Study portraits by the following artists: Kathe Kollwitz, Vincent Van Gogh, and Rembrandt van Rijn. 
• Study the human skull. Be aware of the major planar changes. 
• Study the portraits on display in the Galleries pages of this site.
• The room should be rather dark, with a single light source (such as from a small lamp) directed at you to create a good sense of form. Try for dramatic lighting, and a good break-down of light, middle and dark tones. Set yourself up in front of a mirror, with your face turned at a 3/4 angle to the mirror. With a light pencil line (using an HB pencil or lighter), rough out the general proportions of your head, neck and shoulders. Then, block in the shadows with oil pastel, beginning lightly, then gradually blending color upon color and applying more pressure for smoother colors.

​One day

​Using a soft drawing pencil or charcoal, draw as much of your face as possible by only using changes in tonal values. Don't draw any lines. Define your face by roughing in the dark, middle, and light areas rather than by defining the contours. Use the side of your drawing material instead of the tip.

Due:
Wednesday, October 14

Project:
In your sketchbook, draw each of your facial features at least 3 times, from different viewpoints and with different facial expressions. Draw rather large, so that 3 - 4 drawings will fill a page of your sketchbook (You will therefore use 3 or 4 pieces of sketchbook paper.).

For each feature, first concentrate on accurate proportion and contour (line). Once you are satisfied that your line drawing is accurate, add tonal values using an ebony pencil or a set of drawing pencils. Tonal value should be used to establish three-dimensional form, so use a full range of light, middle, and dark tones.

While using value, concentrate on chiaroscuro, and think about how the facial features are more complex versions of the geometric solids you drew last year.

Make 3+ drawings of each of the following:

• eye(s)
• nose
• mouth (lips, teeth, tongue?)
• ear

Objectives / Grading Criteria:

• Proportion
• Contour
• Variety (viewpoints, expressions)
• Chiaroscuro (structure and form through value changes)

One class period

You will need:

• Your 11 x 14" sketchbook
• Mirror
• Drawing pencil
• Eraser

Draw the following, each in its own separate page of your sketchbook:

• Blind contour drawing of your face from straight-on (1)
• Blind contour drawing of your face from three-quarter angle (1)
• Continuous contour drawing of your face (1 or 2, depending on time available)

Project:
Using various media, draw a series of self portraits

Objectives:

• Improve observational accuracy
• Establish form via chiaroscuro changes
• Improve your ability to create a rich range of tonal value

Materials:

• Mirror
• Drawing paper (white, black), charcoal paper, pastel paper
• Pencil, charcoal, chalk

Parameters

• Must include your head, neck, and shoulders. It may include much more.

Grading Criteria:

• Structure of skull/head
• Accuracy/likeness
• Recreation of nuances of line and value