1. What is a still life? zA still life is a collection of objects gathered together in one place. It remains still as the artist captures it or some part of it in their creation. The advantage of working with real life objects is that it trains your eye to see more clearly. It heightens your observational skills. The objects placed in the still life have substance and occupy the space known as positive space. The empty space, surrounding these objects, is referred to as the negative space.

2. Seventh Grade Assignment 1 zDue by the end of class, September 10 zDraw three different still life compositions. Each should have at least 3 objects from images you see in the room. (i.e. hat/boots, flowers, shoes, art supplies, bottles). Add details. Use pencil value to shade.

3. Materials: z9” x 12” white drawing paper zpencil, eraser. zYou may turn in more than 3 different compositions. This is good practice and it can only improve your grade.

4. Grading Criteria zFill the space 50 pts. zinteresting objects in successful composition25 pts. zCraftsmanship ( no eraser smudges ) 15pts. zShading10 pts.

5. The Making of a Composition zWhat is a composition? zHow can we make a great composition?

6. Composition:  the arrangement of objects on a format zThe organization of the elements of art in a work. zThe Elements of art are: line, color, shape, form, texture, and space. The correct use of these elements will result in a great composition.

7. Let’s take a step-by-step look at some ways to build a successful composition.

8. 1. Decide on how you want to position your paper zwill it be a horizontal or vertical presentation? zThis may depend on what you have selected to draw.

9. z2. Start with a general (gesture type) drawing (draw light and loose). z This quick sketch should only focus on positioning and proportion of the objects you intend to draw. zVery little (if any) value needs to be done at this step.

10. 3. Use compositional devices z1. Placement or arrangement on format z2. Overlapping z3. Variety of shapes and sizes z4. Balance

11. z4. Now begin to add value by shading the areas opposite from the light source. z Remember the side that the light hits will be the lightest and is where any highlights will be. zThe side opposite from the light source will be in shadow but it will also have the cast shadow.

12. zWhen your still lifes are complete zWrite your name, block # and date on the back in the upper right hand corner. zPlace your completed assignments in the yellow box.