Value techniques: middle school.

The Art Problem

This lesson provides students with a chance to practice various value techniques prior to working on a more realistic still life drawing. Students interpret a set of directions in a unique and personal way to create an abstract composition that demonstrates a variety of shapes and a good sense of balance. Into the design, students incorporate the value techniques of gradation, pointillism, cross-hatching, and parallel lines. The elements and principles of color, balance, and contrast must also be demonstrated.

Materials

8 x 11" (20 x 28 cm) toned paper, fine-tip permanent markers, colored pencils, rulers, circle templates

Guiding Practice

1. All students initially work from the same set of instructions to draw their design, and are encouraged to interpret them as widely as possible. (e.g., draw four lines beginning and ending at an edge of the paper; draw five circles; add two more shapes, etc.) Directions can vary according to teacher.

2. Students outline the design in marker.

3. Students fill in an odd number of shapes with a dark marker to create contrast. They add white or another light color in the same manner.

4. The teacher demonstrates each value technique and shows how it is used in artwork created by other artists. Students apply the value techniques to their design a minimum of three times each with colored pencil and marker.

5. Students add extra patterns, value techniques and shapes until the design is finished.

Assessing Learning

A rubric evaluates the originality of the design, competency and effectiveness of value techniques, artistry, and effort. Since this project can serve both as a means of creative practice or a stand-alone project, the weight given to grading can vary.

By Mary Coy, an art teacher at Spry Middle School in Webster, New York.