Charcoal Still Life

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).