Drawing Fundamentals I

Week One focused on the element of line. I learned about different ways to use line in a work of art and create drawings using the concept of contour lines.

First week’s assignment was to make four drawings of my hand in different positions from observation using four different contour  lines:

• A blind countour drawing

• A continuous contour drawing

• A cross contour drawing

• A modified contour drawing

I used only HB pencil for this assignment.

Week Two focused on shape and how it interacts with element of space.

Second week’s assignment was to draw a shape within the context of positive and negative space. I had to draw the chair in different positions using charcoal.

I used only charcoal for this assignment. Paper size is 42 x 59.4 cm (16.5 x 23.4 in)

Week Three focused on applying value in my own work and building up my ability to make two dimensional work look three dimensional. I also had to explore the use of value through value scale practice and shading exercises.

Third week’s assignment was to create my own value scales, and to draw two objects. One by using a pencil and another one by using a charcoal.

Week Four focused on texture. I had to use what I learned about shading and developing different values from previous week to create different textures fourth week.  

Fourth week’s assignment was to create two texture drawings.

Week Five and Six were final weeks where we had two weeks to create our Still Life Project (Still Life With A Meaning). I had to chose four objects and describe why I chose them.

I used a HB pencil and blending stick for this drawing. The reason why I chose these objects is mostly because of the places they are related to, and those places have a stronger meaning to me than the items themselves:

• A bottle with a Croatian motive on it - The reason I chose this object is because I am originally from Croatia and wanted to have something related to home on my drawing.

• New York City poster - I lived in the NYC area for one year while participating in the cultural exchange program.

• A souvenir of the Television Tower - This is one of Stuttgart’s best-known landmarks. And Stuttgart is a place in Germany where I am currently living.

• Tulips in the vase - They are not to some place related, but I have liked tulips my whole life, and that's why I decided to add them to my drawing.