Today we will begin a reverse drawing project that focuses on highlights instead of shadows. We will arrange bones into an interesting composition, then photograph the bones, paying attention to negative space and the rule of thirds. We will then work from this reference photo, using white charcoal to draw bones on black paper.

Here is an example of a finished project:

white_charcoal_skeleton_drawing

Today's essential question: What is the rule of thirds and how can you use it to make a visually interesting composition?

Rule of Thirds

To apply the rule of thirds to your photograph, break an image down into thirds (both horizontally and vertically) so that you have 9 parts. Place points of interest in the intersections or along the lines to create a more balanced and visually interesting photo. Studies have shown that people's eyes usually go to one of the intersection points rather than the center of the shot. When we use the rule of thirds, we make the way people naturally view images work for us rather than against us.

kohphiphi-15

4286577129_2ecc78308d_z_1 rule-photography2

Today we will:

  • Arrange 3-4 bones into an interesting composition, and photograph this composition from multiple viewpoints
  • Convert your photographs to grayscale mode in Photoshop. (Image -> Mode -> Grayscale)
  • Adjust the levels on the photograph using this levels tutorial
  • Crop your image so it is 18 x 24 inches or 24 x 18 inches
  • Post the photo you would like me to print to your blog. Describe how you have utilized both the rule of thirds and balanced positive and negative space to create an interesting composition.
  • Create a still life with a handful of marshmallows, and draw two versions of the still life
    • a pencil sketch on white paper
    • a white charcoal sketch on black paper
  • If your last name begins with A-L, you will spend 7th period drawing the marshmallow still lifes and 8th period photographing bones and posting your photos to your blog
  • If your last name begins with M-Z, you will spend 7th period photographing bones and posting your photos to your blog and 8th period drawing the marshmallow still lifes

Example of a good reference photo:

IMG_0892_edited

Example of how much detail I am looking for in your marshmallow still life:

1StillLifeBlack&WhiteCharcoa