Observational Still Life

This assignment is to create a compelling composition/still life contour line drawing from direct observation. This drawing will be composed of at least 6 different fruit and/or vegetables from the supermarket, local co-op, garden, etc., drawn with charcoal. Starting with blind contour and sustained gesture drawing exercises to get a feel for the forms, surfaces, textures (smoothness vs. roughness), weight, scale, etc. of our items. We may decide to cut them, squash them, stack them, pick out the seeds and arrange the elements in an unexpected way. Be unique in exploring contrasting textures for example. Study the different surface aspects of our choices as well as considering the internal surfaces and textures. Cut them open and explore the insides and outsides and the juxtaposition between the two. Are they shiny, rough, fuzzy, etc.? We will want to communicate these attributes in our drawing. Consider background elements such as fabric and the surfaces our items rest on in our composition - but do not let these elements become dominant. Strongly consider the direction of our light source to communicate the various line weights, textures and unique negative space. We are building a visual vocabulary, experimenting with different types and hardness/softness of vine, charcoal pencils, compressed sticks, etc.