3.7: Practical Assessments

Critical Thinking

Discussion Prompt: Analyze how spatial depth cues are used in a selected artwork from the Renaissance period and a modern abstract piece. Compare and contrast their techniques and effectiveness.

Sketchbook Exercises

Observing Vertical Placement: Find a landscape or set up a still life with objects at varying distances. Sketch the scene, placing distant objects higher in the composition and closer objects lower. Focus on the vertical alignment without worrying about detail or scale.

Scale Change Practice: Choose a simple object (e.g., a fruit or a book) and draw it three times on the same page. Start with the object's standard size at the bottom, then draw it at a reduced size in the middle and the smallest at the top, mimicking its appearance at different distances.

The Overlap Technique: Draw overlapping shapes or objects (e.g., circles, rectangles, or trees). Ensure some shapes are partially hidden behind others, focusing on how overlap can suggest which objects are closer to the viewer.

Integrating Diminishing Details: Draw a scene (real or imagined) in which the amount of detail gradually decreases as you move from the foreground to the background. Pay close attention to textures and outlines, simplifying them as they recede.

Exploring Atmospheric Perspective: Illuminate (color) a landscape using cooler, lighter colors for distant elements and warmer, darker colors for closer objects. Subtly transition between these tones to simulate the atmosphere's effect.

Combining Techniques for a Complete Scene: Apply all the learned techniques to create a cohesive drawing that effectively demonstrates the illusion of space. Choose a complex scene with foreground, middle ground, and background elements. Draw this scene, integrating vertical placement, scale change, overlap, diminishing details, and atmospheric perspective. Focus on how each technique contributes to the overall sense of depth.

Reflection and Analysis: Reflect on each piece after completing the previous exercises. Identify which techniques were most effective in creating the illusion of space and which areas could be improved. Consider asking peers for feedback or comparing your work to reference images or artworks known for their spatial composition.

These exercises are designed to build foundational skills in creating the illusion of space, a crucial aspect of drawing and painting. Through practice and reflection, artists can develop a more intuitive understanding of manipulating spatial perception to enhance their work.

Drawing Project – Works in a Series

Project Overview

Create a triptych (3) detailed drawings that focus on three different spatial depth cues and a balance of positive and negative space

Project Instructions
1. Choose a subject that allows for varied spatial depth cues (e.g., a landscape or an interior scene).
2. Plan your composition with thumbnails, focusing on the placement and relationship of elements.
3. Execute the drawings on a minimum 11x14-inch sheet of mixed media paper using ink
(black/color).
4. Pay close attention to spatial depth cues, positive/negative space, and value shading.

Proposal

Instructions: Brainstorm an idea or concept for your body of work. Then, draft a proposal that clearly outlines the concept, materials, and execution plan. Be sure to include all necessary details and make your proposal direct and to the point.

Thumbnail Sketches

Instructions: Explore a series of detailed thumbnails in your sketchbook to thoroughly develop and refine the themes and variations for your upcoming art series.

Peer Feedback Session

Overview: Initiate a feedback session with several of your peers, reflect on and write down any constructive feedback given, and then have the peer sign and date your feedback reflection.

Instructions: As part of your series project, you are expected to engage in peer feedback sessions with peers to receive input on the series concept and approach. Do not forget to maintain a reflective journal to capture the challenges, successes, and ideas that arise during the process.

Works in a Series Portfolio

Portfolio Presentation: Finalize a series of cohesive drawings centered around your chosen theme. Comple these works into a professional portfolio with your proposal, thumbnail sketches, artist statement, and summary reflection. Present your portfolio to the class or a selected peer, highlighting your thematic exploration, execution strategies, and reflections on the artistic journey.

• You will need to present a completed series, discussing the coherence of the work, the exploration
process, and the evolution of your concept or technique throughout the series.
• You will need a written reflection, analyzing the works in a series, which discusses the context of
artistic development and future directions.

Artist Statement:
Write an artist statement reflecting on your work. This statement should address:
• Your overall thoughts on the project, including the materials and techniques you used.
• The difficulties and successes you encountered.
• What you would do differently if you were to undertake this project again?

Critique Presentation:
Present your finished artwork during a group critique discussion on the scheduled due date of your Mid-Term Critique. Be prepared to discuss your process, challenges, and the decisions you made while creating your drawings. This assignment will also contribute to your final portfolio grade.