Assignment: 
A refined value drawing of a still life, comprised of five objects with local value changes. These objects must have either reflective surfaces (such as metal) or be be transparent or translucent (such glass or clear plastic).

Directions:
Select three - five objects which are metallic, transparent, and/or translucent. 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. 

This will be either a REFINED full value drawing (graphite) or a full color drawing or painting.

View the work of contemporary painter Janet Fish before beginning.

Medium:
Graphite (Use 2B, 4B, and 6B pencils)
OR
Color drawing materials (such as oil pastel) or paint

Parameters:
At least sketchbook size (11 x 14" or larger)

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
• Consider how to create three-dimensional form with transparent or reflective objects.
• Create a well-designed composition from an observed arrangement of forms

Remember to:

• 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 of transparent or reflective surfaces.
• Realism in spatial relationships between objects
• Strength of composition

Using charcoal (and later, chalk for highlights), draw a still life comprised of three to five objects of personal significance.

Objectives:

• Improve observational accuracy
• Build a strong composition
• Notice (and recreate) subtle color changes
• Mix colors with specificity and accuracy
• Establish form via chiaroscuro
• Improve your ability to create a rich range of tonal value
• Become skillful with charcoal

Materials:

• Objects
• Charcoal paper, 18 x 24"
• Charcoal
• Chalk
• (Easel)

Parameters:
At least three objects and a backdrop (cloth).

Grading Criteria:

• Composition
• Accuracy
• Recreation of nuances of value
• "Completeness" - Craftsmanship

To Start:

• View/study examples of still life drawings and paintings by master artists
• Set up still life
• Use viewfinder to establish composition.
• Draw thumbnails and/or rough drafts of the composition, in pencil on paper, blocking out the basic arrangement of lights and darks.
• Measure proportions and distances using your drawing tool (pencil or charcoal stick).