Grid+Drawing+Technique

Grid Drawing Technique

The grid system has been used for centuries by artists to achieve incredible accuracy. By breaking an image down into tiny pieces, it much easier for an artist to focus on one are at a time. Chuck Close is a contemporary artist who has used the grid system throughout his career. His artworks range from super photo-realistic paintings to highly distorted prints, paintings, paper pulp constructions, and more. He is definitely one of the most well known, respected, and relevant living artists. **Activity 1:** View the video at: [] and read the article [] detailing the work of Chuck Close. When finished, respond to the discussion question. Self Portrait || Lucas/Rug 1993 || Georgia Thumbprint || Maggie (close Up) |||| Mark, with close-up ||
 * [[image:closebigsp.jpg width="249" height="320"]]
 * [[image:closemaggie.jpg]]

**Activity 2:** For this assignment, we will take inspiration from Chuck Close by creating a self portrait using the grid system. This might be smooth and photo-realistic, abstract, highly textured, etc. Let your creativity guide your approach to this piece! **Art II** students will create a **//monochromatic//** piece, using chalk pastels. Students will focus on color and texture to convey a mood. Take a look at these student examples: Drawing by Tasha || Drawing by Chris || Drawing by Stefany || Drawing by Zane || Drawing by Anna || Drawing by Helen |||| Drawing by Molly ||
 * [[image:studTashaF.jpg width="230" height="296"]]
 * [[image:self_portrait_in_blue.jpg width="400" height="313"]]
 * [[image:Helen_Self_Portraitweb.jpg width="196" height="305"]]

**Art III** students may choose any of Close’s techniques, including fingerprints, paint blobs, woodcut, or photorealism.

**Objectives**: 1) Concepts: Students will be able to explain the grid system, and successfully demonstrate its use in their artwork. 2) Art History: Students will be able to explain the techniques of Chuck Close, and how their own work is similar to, and inspired by, his. 3) Technique: Students will demonstrate a high level of drawing skill, measured by drawing accuracy and successful color blending. 4) Creativity: Students will communicate a mood or emotion through drawing approach and color palette

1) Students will begin with a photograph. We will create a grid on the photo, as well as the drawing paper. 2) Square by square, students will draw their images, using a light sketching pencil 3) Once the image is complete, students will begin applying color in light layers, and build up the image one layer at a time. The color palette and drawing style is completely up to the student.
 * Procedure:**

**Project Grading Criteria:** Use of Materials: use all materials correctly and appropriately Size Requirement: the entire paper should be filled, fully colored, and complete. Craftsmanship: the artwork should be neat, clean, and free of pencil lines (not sloppy), with so original grid showing. Creativity: the artwork should communicate a mood or emotion through use of texture and color scheme. Technique: artwork should show high level of drawing accuracy