Project 1 — Still Life: Value in Charcoal on Gray Paper
Purpose
Build a convincing still life using a full range of values. Use the gray paper as your middle tone, push shadows with charcoal, and reserve white charcoal for true highlights. The goal is believable light, clear form, and a strong focal hierarchy.
Skills you will practice
i. Full value range and value grouping
ii. Light logic (core shadow, reflected light, cast shadow)
iii. Edges (lost and found), texture, and mark-making
iv. Compositional clarity and focal point control
v. Clean, professional presentation
Lane A. _2025 Fall_ART105 F Drawing and Composition_11" x 14"
Jenna W._2025 Fall_ART105 F Drawing and Composition_11" x 14"
Raul L._2025 Fall_ART105 F Drawing and Composition_11" x 14"
Alexandra W._2025 Fall_ART105 F Drawing and Composition_11" x 14"
Project 2 — Self Portrait in Charcoal
Purpose
Create a believable self portrait that shows clear form, accurate proportions, and an expressive sense of personality. Use a full range of values to describe the structure of the head, the light source, and the mood. The goal is to move beyond a simple outline of the face and build a solid, three-dimensional head with convincing light and shadow.
Create a believable self portrait that shows clear form, accurate proportions, and an expressive sense of personality. Use a full range of values to describe the structure of the head, the light source, and the mood. The goal is to move beyond a simple outline of the face and build a solid, three-dimensional head with convincing light and shadow.
Skills you will practice
i. Observational drawing from a mirror
ii. Proportions of the head and placement of facial features
iii. Full value range and value grouping on the face and hair
iv. Light logic on the head (planes of the face, core shadow, reflected light, cast shadow)
v. Edges (soft vs sharp), hair texture, and subtle value transitions in the skin
vi. Compositional choices that frame the head and control the focal point (eyes, mouth, or expression)
vii. Clean, professional presentation of a finished charcoal drawing
i. Observational drawing from a mirror
ii. Proportions of the head and placement of facial features
iii. Full value range and value grouping on the face and hair
iv. Light logic on the head (planes of the face, core shadow, reflected light, cast shadow)
v. Edges (soft vs sharp), hair texture, and subtle value transitions in the skin
vi. Compositional choices that frame the head and control the focal point (eyes, mouth, or expression)
vii. Clean, professional presentation of a finished charcoal drawing
Below are images from Week 10 and Week 14, showing the progress students have made over time
xxxx._2025 Fall_ART105 F Drawing and Composition_11" x 14"
xxxx._2025 Fall_ART105 F Drawing and Composition_11" x 14"
xxxx._2025 Fall_ART105 F Drawing and Composition_11" x 14"
xxxx._2025 Fall_ART105 F Drawing and Composition_11" x 14"
