Use Your Tones and Values

Still Life

This assignment was to be done outside of class - one of the two homework assignments, this was our midterm. Our midterm was to produce a 'Narrative Tonal Drawing.'

Working outside of class time, we were to set up our own still life using objects that interact to create an implied narrative or story. The set up of the objects should be placed in a way to show interaction, depth, and communication of an idea or concept to the viewer. We should use a variety of objects that have different local values resting on a surface, while one object should resemble some form of personal significance to you. I decided to go with some of my favorite things: art, skulls, and fossils, while of course emphasizing natural history. Also, we should use a single light source for the still life to create a strong cast shadow or shadows.

Once your still life was complete, we were asked to make a tonal drawing emphasizing the full range of tonal values (from white, grays, and black), an understanding of local values (the lightness or darkness based on the actual color), and a comprehension of the components of direct light and shadow (the lightness or darkness based on a light source). Not only are we supposed to focus on tonal values and local values, but use all of the other techniques that we have been building upon since the first day of class, such as: gestural, fast drawing techniques, starting from a middle tone and adding or subtracting tones, and using expressing and descriptive marks, like hatching.

Attempt One: Starting From a Middle Tone
Adding and Subtracting Values

I worked on this assignment, maybe for two-weeks (about an hour every night or every other night). It was pretty challenging as far as making sure the tones were accurate and were blending in with the background (which may have been the hardest part). Trying to capture fabric is really tough for me.

Attempt Two: Defining More Values

But I think it came out great. During our midterm critique, we will be able to get feedback from our instructor and peers to fix it up and resolve it even more before turning it in to be assessed before spring break. What do you think?

TheChristyBel

Final Product