Drawing I, Treadwell, Homework: Jim Dine Project A
Materials:
-18 x 24 inch paper
-natural border (no tape, let the image end an inch or so before the edges of
your paper)
-Vine Charcoal
-Compressed Charcoal
-White conte crayon
-White and Black Charcoal Pencil
-Kneaded eraser
-Paper napkin
-Fixative spray
Still-life:
Take a box of tools and dump them on a table or a flat surface you can work
on for a week or two. If you want to lay down white paper on the table to clearly
see the value difference between the tools and the table then do so. One last
thing, shine a direct light source on the still life. Move the light around
and find what angle makes the most interesting shadows. A cheap metal clamp
on light works best. Also, make sure no one will be using the tools for household
repairs. Remember to use only tools, do not add additional objects for creative
purposes.
Objective:
You are to find an interesting composition using your viewfinder, at the same
time, make several thumbnail sketches. When creating your image I want you to
think about the relationship of positive and negative space. Think about how
one shape creates another. In some areas of the drawing, I want you to focus
on the negative shapes, whereas, in other areas I want you to focus on the positive
shapes. At all times I want you to measure and sight for accurate proportions.
Emphasize creativity, creativity in this project will be based on your ability
to articulate (describe) certain areas and generalize (vague) other areas while
harmonizing the image into one. Ask yourself, “does this image work as
a whole? What ties all the elements together? If not, what elements can I add
or edit out to achieve a unified image?” Remember you are not a camera
dictating all that you see, you are picking choosing, and sometimes exaggerating
value, shape, and space. You are creating an image based on these visual elements:
positive shape, negative, shape, shadows of shapes, light, and the shapes between
the shadows. Also, experiment and manipulate the medium: use your kneaded eraser,
paper napkin, your fingers, anything that can help achieves the desired affect.
Get dirty, creative, and have fun. This is a two-week project. I expect high
level work. There is not one solution or approach to this project, just experimentation.
If you need visuals, google Jim Dine on the Internet. You will hand in your
thumbnail sketches along with your final image.
Self-critique:
We will have a critique in class based on your ability to meet these objectives.
Ask your self at home if you meet the points below.
-Composition
-How are you leading the viewers eye around the image
-What devices are you using, verticals, horizontals, diagonals, value placement,
etc.
-Creativity: What elements did you choose to emphasize?
-Measure and sight for accurate proportions
-Demonstrate ability to experiment and manipulate the medium.
-Time spent does the image feel finished or unresolved.