Ex 1 – Detail and Tone

Project 2 – Detailed Observation of Natural Objects

Ex 1 – Detail and tone
This exercise called for the rendition of one closely observed natural object on an A3 sheet of paper using a range of medium and soft pencils. 

 I spent a lot of time looking very closely at quite a small shell, and trying to make an accurate, detailed drawing with a wide range of tones. 

I have never done a drawing where I am enlarging an object to such an extent. It was very challenging and time consuming.

It was a conscious choice from the beginning to balance the shading cast by the shell with the blackness representing the edge of the surface the shell was placed on.

I also discovered that to do a drawing with a wide range of tones, you need good tools. I purchased a range of Staedtler drawing pencils and was amazed at the difference in quality and range of tones I could get from them.

I was also conscious to lighten some of the tones towards the rear of the shell to create a sense of distance and add to the 3D effect. 

Value of exercise

• Giving the experience of enlarging a very small single object
• Developing observation skills further
• Creating a maximum range of contrast and tones, from very light to as dark as possible. 
• Being conscious of showing pattern and repetition and scale in my work. 

What did I learn?

• Learning what a difference good quality art materials make to a drawing
• To keep persevering even when the task seems enormous

Wonderings for the future

• Whilst I am really pleased with the outcome, but I did not particularly enjoy creating this drawing. It was very analytical and intensive in terms of concentration and time. It required constant checking and rechecking for accuracy, and consequently lacked any sense of creativity for me, other than in the original compostion. I am keen to learn how to move away from this depth of analytical drawing to create looser and more emotionally responsive art.
• Does this drawing evoke any emotions? As the artist I find it a cold and detached ‘item’, and the only lasting emotion I feel looking at it again is how challenging it was to create.