Lesson #6: Using value to create depth

Part of the unit: Drawing a Figure in a Setting |
Download PDF of Lesson
Download PDF of Lesson

Goals

Aim: 
How can value be used to increase a sense of depth?
Students will be able to:
Analyze how two artists have used value to create depth.
Continue to add value to their sketches
Self-assess their work and make suggestions for change
Students will understand that:
Artists can use value to increase the feeling of depth.
Artists continually reflect on and assess their work in order to make changes.
Materials
Student sketches, photographs of a figure in setting, ebony pencils or conte crayon, kneaded erasers, a self-assessment questionnaire
Resources

Charles White's Awaken from the Unknowing and Seurat's At the Concert Europeen

Motivation & Demonstration

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Motivation: 

Show Charles White's Awaken from the Unknowing and Seurat's At the Concert Europeen.

  • How has the artist focused the viewer's attention on the main subject in each drawing?
  • What do you notice about the way Seurat has used value in the foreground and the background?
  • What do you notice about the way White has used value in the foreground and the background?
  • How has each artist used value to create the illusion of space?
Demonstration: 

Select a student work that demonstrates a feeling of depth and space.

  • How has this student used value to increase the feeling of depth and space?
  • To what extent does the figure emerge from the background? How was this achieved?
Worktime
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As you work, think about how you will use contrast to make your figure emerge from its setting so that it becomes the focal point. You must also be aware of how the values you use in the foreground and background work to create the illusion of space. 

Students will continue to work on their drawings.

Reflection & Assessment
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Hand out a self-assessment sheet with questions such as: 

  • Do the objects look three dimensional?
  • Is there a feeling of depth and space?
  • Does the figure emerges from its setting?
  • How would you describe the mood that is created by the use of value?
  • What do you like about your work?
  • What would you change?
Homework/Extension
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