Surreal Still-Life
In this watercolor/gouache painting project, students will learn how to draw and paint by observation, focusing on proportion and values to show depth, volume and space. Each student will put together a 3 object still life and draw out multiple compositions using compositional structures to organize their objects. Students will then select their final compositional layout and employ 3 of the surreal devices to their work. Once their idea is finalized in their sketchbook, they will sketch out their final drawing onto watercolor paper and begin the multi-layered painting process using watercolor and gouache paint.
Article Link: What is Still Life Art?
Article Link: What is Still Life Art?
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Studio Outcome: Surreal Still Life Painting
Student Example Paintings
Watercolor Media Testing
Sequence of skill and media development |
Sketchbook Development and Documentation-checklist |
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Introducing the SURREAL DEVICES
Compositional structures for still life arrangement and framing
Still Life Analysis
Still Life Analysis
Link 1
Link 2
Do this in partners.
Open up a google presentation. Drop the photo in. Cite the name of the artist, the name of the painting and the year it was made. Also list the media used.
Note and describe the:
-compositional structure?
-what is the focal point? How has this been created?
-objects are depicted representationally/realistically or abstract/stylized?
-number of main objects?
-light source and shadow?
-color scheme: Are the colors saturated or desaturated?
-value contrast-high or low contrast?
-positive and negative space?
-where does the visual weight fall within the composition?
-what do the objects reveal about the time period/country of origin?
-POV of viewer on the still life?
Share this Analysis with me: [email protected]
Link 1
Link 2
Do this in partners.
Open up a google presentation. Drop the photo in. Cite the name of the artist, the name of the painting and the year it was made. Also list the media used.
Note and describe the:
-compositional structure?
-what is the focal point? How has this been created?
-objects are depicted representationally/realistically or abstract/stylized?
-number of main objects?
-light source and shadow?
-color scheme: Are the colors saturated or desaturated?
-value contrast-high or low contrast?
-positive and negative space?
-where does the visual weight fall within the composition?
-what do the objects reveal about the time period/country of origin?
-POV of viewer on the still life?
Share this Analysis with me: [email protected]
Reference photos and Final Plan Sketch
Take at least 5-10 photos of your still life. You may need to hold your object at a certain angle with the lighting you want to achieve the dramatic effect you are going for.
Consider:
On a page in your sketchbook, create a final plan sketch. Your sketch should be a half page-rough pencil sketch with color pencil to show your color scheme. Make sure to honor the background as well. Drawing Checklist: -3 objects minimum, with a variety of shapes and sizes. -Are you objects overlapping in any way? This helps group your objects. -How is your depiction of 3D form? How well did you draw your cylinders? Your cubes? -Where is your horizon line? What will your background include? -In your sketch and in writing explain the 3 surreal devices you will utilize and how. -Also note the compositional structure you are using in your still life arrangement. |
Final Plan Critique:
-In small groups, share your final plan. Explain your: 1-Selection of objects: any personal significance? Is there a story you are trying to tell about yourself/your life by your chosen selections? 2-Your compositional structure: What structure are you using for your objects? 3-Your 3 surreal devices: Which ones are you using and how? |
Critique Feedback from peers:
Comment on:
-The compositional structure- how might it be improved upon in terms of positive and negative space?
-The selection of objects? Are they are different in shape and size? How could their use of objects be more visually interesting? Any suggestions?
-The surreal devices? Are these all clearly used? How could this be improved?
-The background? Surreal? Long shadows? What are they doing in their background? What is a suggestion you could offer for them to improve upon it?
Comment on:
-The compositional structure- how might it be improved upon in terms of positive and negative space?
-The selection of objects? Are they are different in shape and size? How could their use of objects be more visually interesting? Any suggestions?
-The surreal devices? Are these all clearly used? How could this be improved?
-The background? Surreal? Long shadows? What are they doing in their background? What is a suggestion you could offer for them to improve upon it?
Painting Checklist:
-Use mixing tray for space for color mixing -Change your water frequently -Look at photo references AND have your REAL objects in front of you if possible -Layer your watercolor paints in thin layers-GLAZING technique -Start with your light values and add to your dark values |
Artist Tran Nguyen demonstrates a glazing technique with painting, starting with the light values and building with darker values.
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Surrealist Artist Analysis-Form/Theme/Context and visual study
Choose a Surrealist Artist and do a Form/Theme/Context Analysis on their work.
Link to Surrealist Painters Pinterest Board so you can browse through the artists.
On 2 pages in your sketchbook, you should write in complete sentences and provide 1 paragraph for each category of Form, Theme, and Context. This is a required 3 paragraph analysis. |
Refer to the FTC chart to help you be as descriptive as possible.
Make sure to CITE your sources for information and you images.
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This is an excellent example of a visual study of Dali's famous surreal painting titled, 'The Persistence of Time'. The student zoomed into one of the melting clocks within the painting and drew this in their sketchbook.