Assignment: 
A value drawing of a still life, comprised of five objects with local value changes. One of these objects must have a reflective surface (metal). An additional challenge would be to include an object that is transparent (glass or clear plastic).

Directions:
Select five objects which are different from one another in tonal value. At least two of these objects must have local value changes within the objects themselves (ex. A design on the package which breaks up the image into different colors). Arrange the objects on the surface of a table into some aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking composition. Your view should be looking down and across at the set-up (a ¾ angle). From your view, some of these objects should be overlapping others. Place a single light-source on the set-up. 
*(A good selection would be a dinner setting, with different colored plates, cups, bowls, soda cans, napkins, etc.).

Medium:
Graphite (Use 2B, 4B, and 6B pencils)

Objectives: 

• Improve accuracy in capturing contour, proportion, and scale from an observed set-up.
• Indicate how local value affects the value changes of different forms
• Create a well-designed composition from an observed arrangement of forms

​Self-critique:
As you draw, ask yourself if you are doing the following (You should be!):

• Fill the page.
• Consider the entire page as a composition. 
• Consider the relationships of objects re: size and placement.
• Consider the observed relationships between the positive and negative shapes, particularly the spaces between objects.
• Get the lines and shapes right. Your objects should stand straight and tall, not lopsided. If you have round shapes, get the ellipses right.
• Use a full range of tonal value and good contrast. Reserve white for the highlights.
• Use blacks for the very darkest tones.

Grading Criteria:

• Realism of contour, proportion, and scale
• Realism of form and structure
• Realism in rendering of local value changes
• Realism in spatial relationships between objects
• Strength of composition

Project Description:
Using primarily "reds" and "whites" from magazine clippings, create a collage of an apple on a table. It is necessary that you do this from observation. Notice the subtle changes in color as you see highlights, mid-tones, shadow edges, reflected light and cast shadows on the table surface. Make the form look three-dimensional and believable.

Medium:
Collage​

Objectives:

• Improve observational accuracy
• Indicate how light affects color value, hue and temperature
• Notice the subtle changes within local colors

Grading Criteria:

• Realism of form
• Realism in rendering of changes in color (hue, temperature and value)
• Strength of composition.

To Start:

• Study master paintings (such as still lifes by Paul Cezanne) and view student exemplars up close.
• Collect envelopes of various red and white clippings

Self-Critique:
As you work on this, ask yourself if you are doing the following:

• Using a full range of tonal value and good contrast.
• Creating a sense of three-dimensional form through chiaroscuro.
• Noticing subtle color changes (hue, value and temperature)

AND When you believe you are close to completing this, ask yourself:

• In its present state, is this something you can put in your portfolio for college applications?

​

Project:
Create a color pencil drawing of an orange or oranges, partially peeled and set on a table surface.


Medium:
Color pencil

Objectives:

• Create a well-designed composition from an observed arrangement
• Improve observational accuracy
• Indicate how light affects color hue and temperature
• Render convincingly realistic surface textures

Grading Criteria:

• Accuracy/Realism of contour and proportion
• Realism of form -- three dimensionality using chiaroscuro (values)
• Realism in rendering changes in color (hue, temperature and value)
• Realism in rendering surface textures
• Strength of composition.

To Start:
Start with a light line, using the 2B pencil, to capture accurate contour and proportion exactly as you observe them.


Self-Assessment:

As you draw, ask yourself if you are doing the following (You should be!):

• Consider the entire page as a composition.
• Use a full range of tonal value and good contrast. Reserve white for the highlights.
• Creating a sense of three-dimensional form.
• Noticing subtle color changes (hue, value and temperature)
• Rendering textures.

AND When you believe you are close to completing this, ask yourself:

• In its present state, is this something you can put in your portfolio for college applications?