The Elements of Design also called The Elements of Art

The Elements of Design are: The basic components used by the artist when producing works of art. the tools that artists use to make art.

Elements of Design: Shape Form Color Value Line Texture Space

Today we will work with . . the element LINE What is line?

LINE is ... A mark with length and direction(s); Line is a continuous mark made on some surface by a moving point.

LINE May be two-dimensional, as with pencil on paper.

May be three-dimensional, as with wire. LINE May be three-dimensional, as with wire. OR

LINE May be implied, as the edge of a shape or form.

Some students are able to use line to draw well Some students are able to use line to draw well. They can look at something and draw it just the way it looks… Where does this skill come from? Is it a skill that one can learn?

The ability to look at something and to REALLY SEE IT is a skill that one can learn. You can learn the skill of drawing by practicing the skill of keen observation.

What do you see when you look at an object? Do you see just what the object is . . . OR

Do you really see…do you observe the many details that make up the object?

To be able to draw well, you must develop observation skills. You must practice not only seeing and observing, but also being able to make your hand do what your eyes are seeing.

Blind Contour Drawings Can Increase Observation Skills AND Increase Drawing Skills!

What is Blind Contour Drawing? Contour is an outline, a line drawing.

What does “Blind” in “Blind Contour” refer to? If we are practicing observing and really seeing, why is it called BLIND line or contour drawing?

We are “BLIND” to the paper. Our seeing/observing is so acute that we observe only the object being drawn and not the paper on which we are drawing.

is an unbroken line drawing of an object’s contours. BLIND CONTOUR DRAWING is an unbroken line drawing of an object’s contours. The drawing is done by keeping the mind and eye on the object being drawing and not on the paper.

is an exercise that trains the hand to do what the eye is seeing. BLIND CONTOUR DRAWING is an exercise that trains the hand to do what the eye is seeing.

Assignment: Use eight different objects to practice observation skills.

STEP 1 Select an object that has complex form and many details

STEP 2 Select a starting place and let your eyes slowly explore and follow the outlines of the object. Notice/see every detail along the way.

STEP 3 As your eyes travel slowly around and over the edges of the object, let your hand draw what your eyes are seeing. Don’t look at the paper, you will loose your concentration.

Observe and draw four objects in pencil and four objects in ink pen. No erasing and No peeking at the paper

Remember: The finished drawings of the objects will NOT look like the object. This is an EXERCISE to practice observation skills.

Grading: Complexity - is the object too simple or is it complex? Contour - is the line continuous and unbroken? Did you look at the paper? Details - has your eye and hand drawn all the many details? Don’t make up what you don’t see.