Weeks 7-10: Form, Contours, Tonal Values, Positive/Negative Space, Perspective

The Star Sketchers stepped up their drawing skills by learning to create study sketches that show the roundness and contours of pumpkins, squash, shells and various objects. Students concentrated on drawing accurate proportions as they explored using large format paper and charcoal and studied texture, light, and shadows.

Upper left is a large-format pumpkin contour study by Alex. Upper right, Star Sketchers at work. Lower left is a pumpkin study sketch by Jose, and to the right is his large-format charcoal drawing.

Above left is a study sketch by Alex and above right is a study sketch by Nichole, showing the curved contours of the pumpkin.  



Drawing from real objects, Nichole sketched accurate proportions of the form and texture of a broom (above left) and Issac pulled together a tight contour study of a lantern.
 

Brianna continued her exploration of artists in history. Above left and right are her drawings comparing a realistic still life to a cubist still life by Picasso.

Students also got into 1 and 2-point perspective. Above left is Jose's boxes and above right is Nichole's building drawn in 2-point perspective.

Students continued to work at different skill levels as they completed lessons on lines, shapes, form, contours, tonal values, and proportion. Upper left is a dog by Taelyn; upper right is an aloe plant contour drawing by Sonya; lower left is a tiger by Mollie; and a dragonfly by Josh.

Click 'Read more' below to view everyone's drawings and Rob's comments...

Ivonne

Cool to see you loosen your line work as you drew from observation of the pumpkin, especially on the larger charcoal sketch. The flower shows your increased confidence in the control of your pencil. Keep it going!

 

Chance

Welcome to the Star Sketchers, Chance! Great start in drawing with lines and shapes. Keep practicing drawing light guidelines before finishing with darker outlines. And keep an eye out for accurate proportions (the sizes of shapes compared to other shapes).

Silvia

Glad to have you drawing with us, Silvia! Your off to an excellent start in drawing with lines and shapes. Really like your confident, bold lines and use of lighter and darker tones.

 

Jose

All around excellent sketching, Jose! Your proportions (sizes of shapes compared to other shapes) are very well drawn. The curved contour lines of the pumpkin make it look realistic, especially your larger charcoal drawing. Great start on your 2-point perspective sketch.

 

Sonja

The angles of perspective on your buildings are really well drawn. Hopefully you can finish this one. :-)

Adrianna

You got an excellent start in drawing the curved contours of the pumpkins. Keep practicing sketching light guidelines for the shapes of things; then finishing with darker outlines.

Nichole

REALLY cool 2-point perspective sketch! Superb contour studies of the pumpkin. Your studies of the texture of the broom show your skill in quickly sketching from real life--keep it going! And keep working on building your portfolio of work, too. :-)

 

 

 

Alex

These study sketches are wonderfully drawn, Alex! You've got an sharp eye for accurate proportions and the realistic, curved contours of the pumpkin. The lines and tones you used for the textures of the shell are EXCELLENT! You really should think about developing your drawing skills for the future.

Taelyn

Welcome to the Star Sketchers, Taelyn! You are definitely off to a magnificent start in drawing with lines, shapes, patterns, and tones. GREAT job of drawing accurate proportions (sizes of shapes compared to other shapes) of the jaguar and dog. Your drawing of the dog shows that you've got a keen eye for realism--keep it going!

Josh

From the get-go, you jumped right in and produced a batch of bold, accurate sketches! The proportions (sizes of shapes compared to other shapes) in your compositions are very well drawn, especially the dragonfly. You've got tremendous potential for building fantastic drawing skills because of your desire to explore new techniques and materials--the sky's the limit!

  
Issac

You've been very focused on your drawing and it really shows in your contour drawings, especially the lantern. The proportions of the lantern are very well drawn, and it was way cool that you explored drawing on large paper with charcoal. Great eye for 3D in your 2-point perspective sketch.

Sara

Excellent contour study of the pumpkin. Hope to have you in class more often--you've got such wonderful potential in drawing. :-)

Mollie

I know that drawing with your pencil on its side is a challenge, but you stuck with it and produced a bunch of really nice sketches! The proportions (sizes of shapes compared to other shapes) of the toucan and tiger are especially well drawn. Keep practicing drawing light guidelines for the shapes of things; then finishing with darker outlines.

 

Brianna

Cool Picasso drawing! Great start in drawing faces. We're gonna keep you focused on drawing more faces for the next several weeks. Keep up the great work! :-)