What is a still life?

A still life is a collection of objects gathered together in one place. It remains still as the artist captures it or some part of it in their creation. The advantage of working with real life objects is that it trains your eye to see more clearly. It heightens your observational skills. The objects placed in the still life have substance and occupy the space known as positive space. The empty space, surrounding these objects, is referred to as the negative space.

Seventh Grade Assignment 1

Due by the end of class, September 10

Draw three different still life compositions. Each should have at least 3 objects from images you see in the room. (i.e. hat/boots, flowers, shoes, art supplies, bottles). Add details. Use pencil value to shade.

Materials:

9” x 12” white drawing paper pencil, eraser.You may turn in more than 3

different compositions. This is good practice and it can only improve your grade.

Grading Criteria

Fill the space 50 pts.interesting objects in successful

composition 25 pts.Craftsmanship (no eraser smudges) 15pts.Shading 10 pts.

The Making of a Composition

What is a composition?How can we make a great

composition?

Composition:

the arrangement of objects on a format The organization of the elements of art in a

work .The Elements of art are: line, color, shape,

form, texture, and space. The correct use of these elements will result in a great composition.

Let’s take a step-by-step look at some ways to build a successful composition.

1. Decide on how you want to position your paper

will it be a horizontal or vertical presentation?

This may depend on what you have selected to draw.

2. Start with a general (gesture type) drawing (draw light and loose).

This quick sketch should only focus on positioning and proportion of the objects you intend to draw.

Very little (if any) value needs to be done at this step.

3. Use compositional devices

1. Placement or arrangement on format 2. Overlapping 3. Variety of shapes and sizes 4. Balance

4. Now begin to add value by shading the areas opposite from the light source.

Remember the side that the light hits will be the lightest and is where any highlights will be.

The side opposite from the light source will be in shadow but it will also have the cast shadow.

When your still lifes are completeWrite your name, block # and date

on the back in the upper right hand corner.

Place your completed assignments in the yellow box.