Fine arts and Crafts

My goals

By the end of this Unit, I will be able to:

⦿ Explain the elements of art.

⦿ State the difference between dry and wet media.

⦿ Draw and paint objects in composition.

⦿ Paint a landscape.

⦿ Draw from a human figure.

⦿ Respect the opinions given by others about my own

work.

Introduction

In Senior One, you were introduced to different materials used in

drawing and painting. You also practiced with the elements of art such

as shape, line, tone, colour and texture. You also observed and drew

objects in composition as still life, as well as single objects picked from

nature.

Remember, still life is the study of objects in composition, in relation to

their immediate background. Yet nature is the analytic study of objects

from the natural environment.

Based on your past experience, do Activity 1.

Activity 1

1. Visit your surroundings and pick a twig with three

leaves.

2. Using a pencil and paper draw the twig.

3. Exchange your drawing with your neighbour.

4. Discuss each other’s drawing by pointing out the

strengths and weaknesses that you are able to observe.

(Assessment is done in terms of use of space, shapes,

tones and texture).

5. How can such weaknesses be improved for a better

drawing?.

Observation of the drawings

I hope you were able to observe that in some drawings from

Activity 1, the object was too small for the paper. In some

drawings still, the object could not fit on the paper. The two

cases usually happen if you have not taken time to compare

the size of the object with that of the paper. Space should be

used comparatively, to make sure that the object drawn fits

well on the paper.

Observe the two pictures in Figure 1.1 and answer the

questions in Activity 2.

Figure 1.1: Studies of plants

Activity 2

1. Identify the different types of lines used in the two

pictures.

2. Mention the colours that were used in the two pictures.

3. Describe the types of shapes in the pictures.

4. Describe the kind of texture in the work.

Elements for drawing and painting

Remember, in order to draw and paint well, you need the

building blocks to follow. These are the elements of art. They

include space, line, shape, tone, form, structure, colour and

texture.

(a) Space

When you look around you, you can see different objects, and

people including your neighbour. But at the same time there

are areas you can see which are occupied by nothing. All

these are part of space. Therefore space is simply emptiness.

However, in drawing and painting, we have both negative and

positive space. For example, look at how space was used in

Figure 1.2

Figure 1.2 : A still life composition of fruits

The area occupied by objects in the composition is called the positive

space. The area around the objects is what we call negative space.

We always begin drawing and painting by identifying the space in

which to create our compositions. After identifying space, we use

other elements to form our drawings and paintings.

Observe the compositions in Figures 1.3 and 1.4 and work out

activity 3.

Figure 1.3: A still life composition in colour

Activity 3

Space in a still life composition

1. Identify the positive and negative spaces in the two

pictures above.(ie Figure 1.3 and Figure 1.4)

2. Comment on how space was created in the two

compositions.

3. Mention the objects and the colours used in the two

different pictures.

Take note:

The paper you are given for drawing or painting provides you

with the space in which to fit your drawing or painting.

 In drawing and painting, a good composition balances space.

The picture you draw has to fit within the space provided.

Never cut off parts of the object drawn or painted in a given

space.

Leave same space on the left and right side of the paper. The

upper space should be bigger than the lower space left on

the paper, thats how negative space is balanced in drawing

and painting.

Space is controlled in order to create a feeling of depth in the

composition.

(b) Line and shape

In Senior One, you identified the different materials used in

drawing. After identifying what to draw in a given space and

the suitable materials to use, we use lines to draw or paint.

Lines play a vital role in drawing different shapes of objects.

Remember, shapes can be either geometric or natural

(organic).

Geometric shapes are more regular, they include circles,

squares, rectangles and triangles. Natural shapes are irregular

such as a shape of a stone, tree or leaf.

(c) Tone and form

After drawing the required shapes of objects in the composition,

then you can apply tones according to the light direction. It is

the tones that bring out the forms of objects in the composition.

As light fall on an object, it casts a shadow on the opposite

side.

Therefore tone refers to the variation from light to dark on the

surface of an object as light falls on it. On the other hand form

is the roundness of an object.

For example, look at the effect of light on the drawing of a

tomato in Figure 1.5.

Activity 4

Responding to light and shade

1. Arrange three objects from your surroundings to form a

composition.

2. Using a pencil and paper, draw the composition; first in

lines and then shade the composition to create forms

and shadows.

3. Display your work and discuss it with your friends

regarding the use of tones to create the forms in the

composition.

(d) Textural patterns

During the process of trying to draw the forms of objects

in a given composition, there is need to show their surface

quality (texture). Are the objects smooth, rough or coarse?

This question is answered by using textural patterns that fit

the objects being studied. Textural patterns depend on the

shading technique used. For example, look at the textural

patterns on the objects in Figure 1.6.

Hence, textural patterns refer to the appearance of the surface

of an object according to the shading technique used.

Activity 5

Dealing with textural patterns

1. Pick three objects with different texture, from your

surroundings and arrange them to form a composition.

2. Draw the objects on a piece of paper and use different

shading techniques to capture the different surface

qualities of the objects.

Take note:

· Texture varies with the form of a given object.

· Where the tone is light, the texture is light and vice versa

Types of colour application

In Senior One, you studied about colour and you looked at

primary and secondary colours. Primary colours are basic and

are only three ie. Red, Yellow and Blue. Besides, secondary

colours are got after combining two primary colours. Secondary

colours include orange, green and violet. When you combine

a secondary colour with a primary colour, you get a tertiary

colour. For example, study the colour combinations in Figure

1.7 and Figure 1.8.

Activity 6

Colour mixing

Mix the different colour combinations. Remember to always

use equal amounts of the different colours in order to come

up with the right mixture.

Colours can be used to capture objects in a still life composition.

Colour can be classified under different properties such as

hue or purity, value and intensity. A hue refers to a colour in

its purest state. The common hues include yellow, red, blue,

green and purple as they appear on a colour wheel. Look at

Figure 1.9.

Figure 1.9: Colour Hues

Value refers to the darknes or lightness of a colour; if a colour

is dark, its value is low and if a colour is light, its value is light

for example, look at Figure 1.10.

Figure 1.10: Colour Value

On the other hand intensity refers to the brightness or dullnerss

of a colour, for example look at Figure 1.11 Intensity also

refers to saturation.

Colour can also be classified as being (colour temperature)

hot, cool, complementary and supplementary/analogous. Hot

colours strike the eye; these include red, yellow and orange.

Cool colours do not strike the viewer’s eyes; they include;

brown, green and blue. Supplementary colours appear next to

each other on the 12 part colour wheel eg; yellow and orange

or blue and purple. Complementary colours appear opposite

each other on the colour wheel such as; green and red or

yellow and purple.

In painting, black is considered to be a shade, a colour

darkens when it is added with black. On the other hand white

is consider to be a tint. A colour becomes lighter when added

with white.

In order to paint a good picture, select colours according to the

natural appearance of the objects being studied. For example

look at Figure 1.12 and observe how colours were used to

reflect the natural appearance of the objects

Figure 1.12: A painting of flowers

.Activity 7

Observation exercise

Observe the picture in Figure 1.12 and do the following:

1. Identify the objects in the composition by their colours.

2. Mention the primary colours, secondary colours and

tertiary colours that you can see in the composition.

The Principles of Art

As you follow elements of art while drawing and painting, you

need to follow guidelines. These guidelines or rules are referred

to as the principles of art. They include balance, rhythm,

pattern, perspective, unity/harmony and proportionality.

1. Balance: This refers to a state of equilibrium when all

elements in an artwork are well arranged. Balance can be

symmetrical, asymmetrical or radial.

(i) Symmetrical balance is also called

formal balance. This is achieved when

the opposite parts in an artwork are

exactly or nearly the same in respect to

a vertical / horizontal axis. For example,

look at the symmetrical balance on the

human face in Figure 1.13.

Figure 1.13: The human face

(ii) Asymmetrical balance is also

called informal balance. It

refers to balance by visual

weight. It can be achieved

when a work of art is looked

at in totality when all parts of

the work seem to agree with

each other even if they are not

equal with each other. For example

look at Figure 1.14

Figure 1.14: A painting showing asymmetrical balance

(iii) Radial balance is a type

where elements are

equally distributed from

the center. For example

Figure1.15

Figure 1.15: A painting showing radial balance.

Activity 8

Look at the works of art from your surroundings and

identify those where symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial

balance has been achieved.

2. Rhythm is a principle of art which focuses on visual

movement in a work of art. It is achieved when there is a

feeling of movement from one part of the work to the other.

For example, look at the design in Figure 1.16

3. Pattern refers to repetition of elements such

as line, colour texture over and over to create

an impression work of art. For example,

the design in Figure 1.16 consists of curved

patterns.

Figure 1.16: A design showing rhythm and pattern

Activity 9

(i) Choose one geometric shape (eg circle, triangle and

square) draw and repeat it several times on a piece of

paper to form a pattern with rhythm. You are free to

use any colours of your choice.

(ii) Display your work and discuss it with your fellow

students to judge which pattern is more rhythmic.

4. Perspective: In Senior One, you were

introduced to linear perspective, where

you focused on the use of lines to show

perspective in landscapes. As a principle

of art, perspective refers to the variation

in size, tone and colour of objects with

distance. Near objects look bigger/brighter

compared to those seen at a distance. For

example look at Figure 1.17.

Figure 1.17: Animals seen at different points.

5. Unity/harmony: This

principle is achieved

when all, elements

in given work of

art (such as lines,

colour and texture)

agree with each

other. For example,

look at Figure 1.18.

Figure 1.18: A painting showing unity/harmony

6. Proportionality: This refers to the relationship of different

parts of an object in terms of size. Naturally, there are sizes

which are considered normal and when such sizes change

compared to others, they are considered abnormal. For

example the size of human hands is small compared to

that of legs. Or a passion fruit is considered smaller than

a pumpkin. Therefore when drawing or painting, always

consider the right sizes of the objects or parts of the objects

in order to achieve the right proportions.

Take note:

In drawing and painting some

objects which are known to be

small may appear bigger than

those which are known to be

big, due to perspective. For

example look at the drawings

in Figure 1.19.

Figure 1.19: Passion fruit appearing bigger than a pawpaw

Working with dry and wet media in drawing and painting

What we use to draw and paint pictures (such as pencils,

crayons, pastels and water colours) is often referred to as a

medium. When there are many different materials, they are

referred to as media. Media can either be dry or wet.

Drawing with dry media

Pencils are commonly used in drawing. These are part of the

dry media. Dry media refer to materials which do not flow.

Other dry media include crayons and coloured pencils. For

example, look at the two drawings in Figure 1.20. One was

drawn using crayons and the other one by use of coloured

pencils.

Activity 10

Drawing with dry media

1. Look at Figure 1.20 and identify the picture drawn with

crayons and the one drawn with coloured pencils. What

is the difference?

2. Using either coloured pencils or crayons draw a

composition of three objects picked from your

surroundings.

Take note:

Coloured pencils usually give a clear picture compared to

crayons.Crayons differ from pencils as shown in Figure 1.21

Drawing or painting with wet media

Wet media refer to materials which can flow. Using such

materials requires you to add a liquid in order to make it

flow well. You may need a brush in order to paint a given

composition.

These materials include inks, water colours and powder

colours. Observe Figures 1.22 and 1.23, and work out the

questions that follow.

Activity 11

1. What is the difference between the two drawings in

Figure 1.22 and 1.23?

2. Using a pen and ink draw a twig of a plant from your

school compound.

3. Display your work and discuss it with your friends,

regarding how the materials have been used to create

tones and form.

Take note:

When you are going to draw or paint with wet media, always

begin with a sketch in pencil. This helps you to draw the right

shapes and the proper arrangement of the objects in a given

composition. Pencil work can easily be adjusted by rubbing

out. Ink and water colours cannot easily be changed.

Study of a landscape

Our environment is a rich resource for the study of landscape.

A landscape is the natural scenery. Such sceneries include

plants, houses, etc. You will enjoy your studies by moving out

of your classroom and observe the surroundings. Look at the

landscapes in Figure 1.24 and try out Activity 12.

Activity 12

Study the landscapes in figure 1.24 and do the following:

1. List the different objects in the four landscapes.

2. Identify the materials that were used to draw or paint

these landscapes.

3. Discuss how space was used, how the shapes of different

objects were painted/drawn and the sizes of objects were

varied to achieve depth.

Much as your environment is rich for your studies of a

landscape, you do not have to include everything that you see.

You need to select the best view. This can be done by using

a view finder. A view finder is made by cutting a rectangular

shape on a cardboard, as shown in Figure 1.25.

Figure 1.25: A view finder

How to use a view finder to study a landscape

You hold your view finder in one hand and through its space,

observe the landscape ahead of you. You then you sketch only

those objects which appear within the view finder’s space.

Look at the Figure 1.26.

Take note:

The closer the view finder is to your eyes the bigger the area

of study and vice versa.

Keep the distance between the view finder and your eyes

uniform throughout your study of the landscape

Activity 13

Study of a landscape

1. Using a cardboard and cutter, prepare your view finder.

2. Go outside your classroom and use your view finder to

select a suitable view from your surroundings.

3. Draw or paint the landscape.

4. Display your work and discuss it with your friends.

Human figure drawing

In Senior One, you were introduced to human figure drawing

and you learnt that human figures can be drawn either from

observation or imagination. You also learnt that getting the

right posture (the way the human figure is sitting or standing)

of the human figure is important. This demands for continuous

practice with different studies of the human figure with

different materials. Now study the images in Figure 1.27 and

work out activity 14.

Activity 14

1. Study the seated figures in Figure 1.27 and discuss how

lines, shape, colour, tones texture and space were used to

bring out the posture.

2. Draw one of these pictures on a piece of paper.

3. Share your work with your neighbour and discuss it

regarding the posture and use of space. How do the

different parts of the body relate to each other in your

drawing? (Proportions).

How to get the right proportions

In the examples above, you note that the artists tried to get the

right proportions of the human figures. You can always check

the proportions of your human figure drawing by comparing

the size of the head to the rest of the body parts.

Activity 15

Stand up, look at each other and discuss the following:

1. Compare the size of the arms to the rest of the body.

2. Compare the size of the legs to the rest of the body.

3. Lastly compare the size of the head to the rest of the body

parts (i.e. the hands, legs and the torso).

A fully grown human being is believed to have about eight

head-lengths in height. Figures 1.28 and 1.29 show the

relationship between the head-length and the rest of the body

parts of the female and male human figures.

You can observe that the elbow is at the same line with the

navel for a standing posture. The lower leg matches with the

upper leg and the torso in height. There are two head-lengths

for the lower leg and the same applies to the upper leg and

torso each. The height of the head matches with the length

of the foot of the human figure. For example, observe the

relationship of the body parts in Figure 1.30.

Activity 16

1. The following drawings were made by Senior Two

students. Observe the human figures in Figure 1.31 and

discuss the challenges with their proportions.

2. Following the right proportions draw a human figure in a

standing posture.

3. Display your work and discuss it with friends, regarding

proportions and posture.

Assessment

1. What is the difference between dry and wet media?

2. Using materials of your choice, draw an insect or animal from

your surroundings.

3. Draw or paint a standing boy, dressed in a short sleeved shirt

and a pair of shorts.

Glossary

Head-length: the size of the head from the chin to the end of the

forehead.

Imagination: using one’s mind to create ideas.

Negative space: area around the objects in a drawing or painting.

Observation: using eyes to look at something in details.

Posture: the way a human figure appears to the viewer, either

standing, sitting of sleeping.

Positive space: the area occupied by objects in a drawing or painting.

Proportions: relationship of different body parts of a given object.

Resource: a set of things from which an idea is developed.

Torso: the middle part of the human figure excluding the

hands, legs and head.

Landscape: a natural scenery which may include, plants houses,

animals etc.

Element of art: building blocks followed while making and talking

about a work of art.

View finder: a card with a square or rectangular space used to

select a particular area in a landscape for study.

Dry media: materials which do not flow such as pencils and

crayons.

Wet media: materials which flow as they are used in drawing

such as painting.

Still life: a study of objects in composition in reflection to their

immediate background.

Nature: a study of objects picked from the natural

environment.

Principles of Art: guide lines or rules followed while making or

talking about a work of art.