Samantha Keith

Methods
Virtual Gallery Unit Plan

Title: Drawing the Figure Gesturally
Grade Level: 11th
Approximate time: 3 classes
WV CSO:
Objectives:

    Student will:
             • Describe and tell about how they decided on their figures movement.
             • Practice techniques in new media
             • Execute a successful gestural drawing of the figure
             • Express their like/dislike of figurative subject/media/drawing technique

Learning Objectives:

Derek Overfield’s work will be introduced in discussion as an example of an artist who works in the gestural figure style. Class will discuss the definition of a gesture drawing, as well as the problems an artist faces when dealing with the figure in movement, and how a gesture drawing can be part of the solution.

Materials:  India Ink, India ink brushes, blotters, heavy-weight paper, paper towels, and each other.
Visuals: Teacher example made previous to class and a during class demonstration. Plus, examples of Derek Overfield’s gestural work.

Day 1:
      Procedure:

    Motivation:

1.     I have a question for you guys. Are you sitting still right now? How many of you are moving your feet, or twirling your hair? What about playing with your pencil, looking around or drumming your hands on the desk? I tend to cross my arms and wiggle my fingers, or shake my right foot when I’m sitting down. Most people don’t sit perfectly still, and the majority of artists show the figure in movement or action. How do you think artists can show movement in their figures?

Today we are going to talk about creating a gestural figure. (SHOW EXAMPLES) What are the differences between figures created with contour lines and figures created with gestures? Which style do you think Derek Overfield’s work is in?

2.     Gesture style, that’s right!  A gesture drawing is created to capture movement in the subject. In gesture drawing, accuracy in what the subject looks like is not as important as WHAT the subject is doing. Since gesture drawing is used to record people in motion, what kinds of actions do you think you would like to draw? I would like to draw someone dancing ballet.

3.     Alright begin thinking/talking about what kind of actions you would like to record.

4.     Partner up and ask your partner to do some movements for you to get a good idea. Try doing some gestural drawings in pencil of two positions.

Description of Activity I:

1.      Today we are going to practice some techniques using india ink and brushes. You will use these techniques to create gesture drawings of figures, much like the drawings you did in pencil.

2.     There will be a demonstration about techniques using india ink.  Students will then practice with the ink and brush strokes.

3.     After 15 minutes of working with the media students will be asked to find a partner. Students will take turns posing in motion and creating 3-5 gesture drawings.

4.     At the end of class drawings will hung up for critique. We will discuss the use of lines and shapes and also how the students feel about their work and the work of their peers.

       Closure Day I:

1.     I want you all to look at the drawings completed by the class.

2.     These are some really nice gesture drawings. Did anyone really love this technique and/or media?

3.     Would anyone like to continue to working with figures and gesture drawings? What about just one or the other? Why?

4.     Everyone did very well. Make sure your name is on the back signed on the front, make sure your piece is up and secured until it finishes drying.

Evaluation:

Criteria:
              1. The student was able to express  independence in choosing their figures position (appropriately).

              2. The student worked well with their partner.
              3. The student illustrated their observations through media and technique.             

              4. The student constructed 3-5 interesting and unique gesture drawings.