Class Two

Linear Design: Apple Composition

A strong composition is at the heart of good design. In this assignment we will be constructing a strong composition by looking at several elements. To place our apples in our drawing to form a compelling image, this will entail: where the apples are placed on the ground plane and how they work as single apples or as groups of apples; considering over-lapping the apples to create depth in the composition; consider shadow patterns and how much space these occupy and whether they can strengthen your composition; and finally the line quality, thick and thin lines, areas joined or separate. All these elements are necessary to create a solid image.

Apple Composition

Materials:
  • 18 x 24 pad of white paper. This is from Drawing I.
  • Charcoal, medium vine
  • Kneaded eraser
  • Comparison stick
  • Rag, like an old t-shirt a piece the size of a handkerchief.
  • Sandpaper, #220 or #150 or an emery board
  • Drawing board or Amazon box
  • a bag of cheap apples any color you like. You will need 5 or more apples.
Assignment:
  • Set up your apples on your table like this- slowly empty the bag onto the table allowing the apples to randomly place themselves. This allows for a more spontaneous composition. Adjust some apples if necessary. Remove extra apples (you need at least 5 apples in the compo).
  • Draw the apples on your 18 x 24 pad in a horizontal position. Use Strategies and comparisons to get accuracy with the size and exact placement of each apple.
  • Lay in the shadow patterns, including the cast shadow. These will be value 4,5. Remember value 5 runs along the shadow edge. Value 4 is the reflected light within the shadow. Use parallel diagonal lines to lay in the values. Do not scribble it in.
  • Next, lay in the middle value 3 on the light side. This occupies the transition between value 5 at the shadow edge and the light side.
  • Next, lay in value 2,1,0 on light side. Value 0 is the highlight.
  • Next, look at the outlines and the soft and hard edges. Use the kneaded eraser to add interest here, thinning the line/ softening the line or use charcoal to widen the line and harden the edges. Use variety. Each drawing should contain both aspects.

Upload a photo to the assignment section assigned to it. Instructions are at the bottom of every assignment page.

Due: M/W Monday, Feb.

T/TH Tuesday, Feb.

Secondly, Please watch the first Technique Video and answer the questions under the video, “Shadows in Animation”.

Due: M/W Monday, January.

T/TH Tuesday, January.

The Technique video/questions can be found on the content page on Brightspace under: Technique videos by other artists, educators and photographers. I will assign 1 (sometimes 2) video/questions per week. These will highlight a technique we will be exploring. Please keep up with these videos as there are 12 videos/semester.

Apple composition: The light is coming from the right side only. You can see the reflection of the window on the apple. Use 5 Apples. Look at cast shadows as part of the composition.
Use the 4 Strategies to begin your drawing. Use comparisons- Vertical, Horizontal, and Proportional to compare the placement and sizes of the apples.
Map out the shadow patterns. First draw the pattern for the form and cast shadows. Next, lay in value 4 on the shadow side and value 5 along the shadow edge. Don’t forget the cast shadows which begin at value 4 and then darken to value 5 in some areas.
Completed drawing using 5-7 values. Use your techniques for charcoal- cross-contour lines and parallel diagonal lines to indicate the form changes. Re-evaluate the line work after the values are placed. Look for hard and soft edges. Indicate the value of the background and the table very simply. This drawing will be used for Project 1.