Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Drawing Class 4: Lighting Types & Techniques

Last night was the class on Lighting: Types & Techniques.

We played with lighting types for portrait art, such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Downstage. We talked about the differences and the effects the lighting had on the subject.

Next, I set up a still life with a silver set, adjusted the lighting several different ways to see what it did to the silver and the reflections. Then I added a red canister to it to get some interesting reflections.

Lastly, I brought out some breakfast items - a bowl, a mug, a napkin, a placemat, and two spoons. Then I had all the students set up their own still life by working together, including how they wanted the napkin to drape on the table, then adjust the lighting. Once they got it the way they liked it, they had to draw it! :D Finding the right view point from which to draw it was the hard part.

They all did very well! I'm proud that they are willing to stick with me through all of these challenges I keep putting them through! I want them to really aim high with what they draw. It is only when we challenge ourselves to do something we don't think we can do that we learn the most. I don't want them to always take the easy way out, whether it's because they are bored or because they don't think they can do it. Either excuse will stunt their growth as artists, and I don't want that to happen.

NEXT WEEK: We experiment with colors, using only the three primary colors, they will have to work out a palette by mixing their colors many different ways to achieve different colors, then draw a picture. They will have a choice of a couple of pics that I will provide. I think it's lots of fun and a great learning experience!!

Here are some pics from the class. Three are of students, the other one is the still life they set up.










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