Scheme of Work Observational Drawing and Techniques Key Stage 4

Introduction
In this scheme students will be encouraged to develop their observational skills using drawing. The development of these skills will be based on a series of man-made as well as natural objects that will form a still-life. The students will themselves collect the objects. With the aid of art historical references students will consider appropriate ways of arranging these objects and look at various approaches to composition. The still life will be used to experience a wide range of techniques, which will help students focus on different aspects of their composition such as form, line, texture and light etc. However, in terms of a final piece of work at the conclusion of the scheme primary emphasis shall be laid on the development of finished charcoal drawings. All other techniques used in the scheme shall be tools to achieving this end result.

Aims

Objectives
The Still Life
This will be made up of objects the students will collect themselves. It is hoped that students will show their own initiative and collect objects that reflect their personal interests and backgrounds. However, there will be a general set of guide lines to try and ensure that each student has a wide range of objects to draw.
Teaching Activities
The initial drawing exercises will serve as preparation, so that students can extend both their visual and tactile understanding of the objects thy have collected. These exercises will include the following activities.
Activity 1: Drawing by tactile observation.
This will involve students taking one of the objects they have collected and holding it in their hand behind their back and drawing what they can feel.
Activity 2: 'Drawing with the right side of the brain'.
Drawing with the right side of the brain is a technique devised by American teacher and artist Betty Edwards. From her research I am choosing one exercise for students to experiment with. Students will draw one object they have collected. While drawing the object they shall not look at the drawing they are creating, but concentrate on the detail of the object.
Activity 3: Using quick sketching to make decisions relating to the final composition of their still life.
Students will be asked to make at least four sketches of their objects. For each sketch students will place their objects in different ways. They will use these sketches to consider various ways of organising the composition of their final picture.

The Still Life
The still life will be completed in a reverse charcoal technique. This will involve students choosing a piece of A2 coloured paper. The paper is prepared by covering it with layers of charcoal and compressed charcoal alternately. Each layer is rubbed in with the hand to achieve a consistently black surface. Using a putty rubber, students will describe their still life in terms of its highlights. Depending on how much you use the putty rubber you can reveal different tones right back to the original colour of the paper.

Resources

Assessment
The completed work will be assessed using the objectives outlined in this scheme. Students will also evaluate their own work. The completion and quality of home works will also contribute to the assessment process. The marking system to be used to give final grades to students for this scheme will be the Art Department marking system.

A-Excellent
B-Very Good
C-Good
D-Competent E-Further work needed
F-In need of help
G-Repeat task for homework
U- No student will receive this grade if they have tried reasonably hard

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