Every good art teacher worth his or her salt knows the value of a good observational drawing lesson. Despite all the new technology, trends in art education, and school climate changes, a good, old fashioned still life drawing is still the best way to teach students to draw what they actually see and break out of the stronghold of schematic drawing. However, coming up with high success, engaging still life projects for teens can be a challenge. Students are often intimated by drawing subjects from observation, especially if they do not find the objects particularly interesting. So what is an art teacher to do?
From Pasta to Peeps
My go-to approach to teaching observational drawing through still life involves finding atypical, intersting subject matter. From pasta to marshmallow peeps, there is no shortage of subjects that can first, engage your students. Often the season will offer up objects. Just returning from summer break? How about a still life with sea shells, possibly allowing students to bring in their own to add to the set up. Fall is a great time to nature's bounty! Gourds, pumpkins, and leaves offer a variety of interesting textures and geometric forms.
Want a great winter still life? Cozy up to a hot chocolate still life and allow students to bring their favorite mug. Christmastime makes drawing ornaments, gift bows, and gift wrapped packages all which offer a variety of geometric shapes and textures. Spring time? You've got to try florals or marshmallow peeps as subjects!
Non-seasonal still life subject faves such as pasta noodle close-ups, toiletries like soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, and toys also have their appeal to students. We just finished "Wash, Rinse, Repeat where students brought in items they use to get ready in the morning. I've never smelled so much strong cologne in my life!
Begin with the End in Mind
Once I've chosen the perfect subject for a group, I work backwards from my assessment criteria to plan carefully scaffolded excercises designed to help my students "see" their subjects and render them with fidelity. Below is a my typical line up.
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