1 Date Created: 19/08/2020

 

OVERVIEW Adam Cusack will lead a hands-on workshop focused on creating realism through the moulding of light and fixing the shadows in drawing. Adam will share his insights into the mechanisms of drawing and demonstrate techniques on how to accurately render values through the proper application of materials. Participants will be working using reference to render a three-dimensional object and create an interesting drawing.

YEAR LEVELS Suitable for teachers of all levels

ART ELEMENTS & PRINCIPLES Shadow, line, tone, texture

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will:

• Create a range of textures made with charcoal. • Learn how to add medium to create effective shadows. • Develop blending techniques using paper stumps.

• Discover tips on how to keep your artwork clean of charcoal dust.

  

2 Date Created: 19/08/2020

MAKE Step 1: Lightly draw the supplied reference image on quality paper, ensuring proportions are accurate. Include shadows and object shapes (look for tonal variations). This simple light key line framework will inform where to add tone.

Step 2: Place cardboard and spare clean paper onto the drawing (to protect the paper from direct contact with your hands, arms etc)

Step 3: Select the lightest tonal value, then using the charcoal pencil render the texture of banana skin (take your time). Don’t add any detail, we are looking for smooth charcoal application.

Step 4: Using the paper stump continue to smooth out the charcoal medium on the paper, be sure to push the medium from dark to light (use the full edge of paper stump to keep your technique fluid).

Step 5: Clean your hands free from dust. Now refine your form/shape using the erasers sharp edges, to convince the viewers eyes add more or less tone (charcoal) to define the light source.

Step 6: Repeat step 2. Place cardboard and spare clean paper onto the drawing (protect the paper from contact with your hands, arms etc)

Step 7: Move onto the second tonal value and repeat the process, slow and steady will get you there, don’t rush. (if you rush through the process you will have less accurate tonal transitions (each tonal value needs to be clearly defined to be effective) Again steps 4 and 5 need to be repeated.

Step 8: The image should start to reveal itself, this process should be repeated until the last tone, solid black. It is, at this point that specific detail can be defined. Be sure to take your time with the black values, you will not require a heavy application of charcoal, but you need 100% black. Note: Avoid too much pressure, you will damage your paper, break your pencil and probably leave a large amount of medium/charcoal dust on your page (you need a good clean surface, free of mobile dust).

  

3 Date Created: 19/08/2020

Step 9: Now we clean the drawing area, ensuring all surfaces are clear/free of charcoal dust.

Step 10: Using your eraser clean the drawing, unwanted charcoal dust and marks (be sure to not touch your paper/drawing with your hands skin, using paper see step 2). If your eraser becomes dirty, cut off dark corners with a blade.

Step 11: Review the drawing correcting shapes and tonal values that require attention.

Step 12: Review the drawing correcting shapes and tonal values that require attention.

EXTENSION This activity should take longer than the 90-minute session. However, if time allows, can continue fixing shadows further.

DISCUSSION / REFLECTION

Why is the order of tone important?

How does contact with your body affect the paper surface?

Does the pressure charcoal is applied with change?

Why is subject matter important?

Why is the black charcoal value the last to add?

MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT Pitt Charcoal pencil – medium

Pitt Pastel Pencil White

Charcoal compressed

Pastel Paper Stump

Stonehenge paper 245 gsm smooth

Multi Paper 80gsm 255 x 380

Zart Eraser

Combi eraser

Fabo grip pencil sharpener

A3 80gsm paper

A3 cardboard/thick craft card

Cutting Blade or knife to slice eraser

  

4 Date Created: 19/08/2020

INSPIRATION RELATED ARTWORK, LINKS & SOURCES

Adam Cusack

Website: https://adamcusack.com/

Instagram: @adamcusackartista

Facebook: @adamcusackartist

  

5 Date Created: 19/08/2020