PROJECT 05: Self-Portrai/portrait in Grayscale. B/W acrylic paints (refer back to your value scales)

Project Description

Create a 9" x 12" self-portrait or portrait of classmate in B/W Acrylic applying the value scales you just finished. Using black and white acrylic paint create a well executed portrait using a good range of gray scale value system. This is interpretive, abstracted, aesthetics are important and the essence of that person. have fun. be expressive.

Have fun with expressions, angles, framing to create a unique image to draw out for your 4 thumbnail sketches and keep in mind, you will select one of the four images you worked through as your final composition. be creative. Be aware of your figure (subject) ground (background). both important Both areas cannot be busy. subjects dominate.

Practice using a value scale with paint, graphite, or pen/marker using clean cross hatch or hatch lines. Use the value scale you created as a reference to achieve at least 7 different values in your composition. 

There will be no blending/shading of paint with this assignment, instead break the image down into shapes that represent the changes in value. You will be creating solid shapes (blocking out fields) each value in the gray value scales. there will be 9 value distinctions in the final compositions. 

Be very aware of your placement, layout, figure ground, cropping, interesting angles and vantage points. Be creative in how you create your self portrait. Use lighting to create more dramatic shadows, mid tones and highlights. be aware of your light source and how it plays with the details on your face when mapping out the value fields. 


Value Scale Technique - Training Videos

Important for creatig value scale in pencil: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QD0CUfL_pQ



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WowABJEpm1c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-jkKJmSW_8

Class Schedule

Homework Due in class on October 16 / October 17
1. Create four  distinct/different comprehensive sketches showing unique options for your portrait. Use cropping, directional light source, and framal reference, to create the most dynamic and interesting composition possible. be aware of focal areas. If you need to do more sketches to resolve your piece, you will have to do more than just four. 

Do not limit yourself if you are still not satisfied with the direction of your portrait. 

2. Have your final composition drawn out on 9" x 12" bristol board, and map and block out all the fields values ranging from black (#7) to white (#1). 

Note: You will receive a full project grade on your homework meaning your 4 different sketches and studies. This will be reviewed and graded at the beginning of class.

Class work-time (October  18 / October 19)
You will have the full class time to select and work on creating your final portrait. This assignment will be worked on  during class time. Be sure to use your studio time well. and be productive. you will also ALWAYS receive a class grade based on your productivity in each class. Use your time wisely. everything is worked into your final project grade and class grade.

Note: Assignments will be collected and graded at end of class.

Critique (Oct 23  / Oct 24)
Please hang work and be prepared to start critique at beginning of class.  This will be a quick critique. We will start on the next project for the second half of the class.

Rubric

You will be assessed on the overall composition (dynamic and interesting), craftsmanship (even surface, defined edges with good tonal value fields using value as highlights, mid tones and shadows, clean edges on paper, no marks/dirt on paper), and range of values, good contrast, focal areas. Use solid even lights mediums darks shades on each field that you block out. 

Student Examples

PROJECT 04 - VALUE COMPOSITION IN GRAYSCALE

From a total of 72 grayscale swatches, which are 3 carefully measured gridded sheets, you will create a value scale representing TEN EVEN steps from black to white (black and white with eight even incremental changes in-between).

Your completed swatches will be carefully selected and will be mounted on a 2"x11" paper strip to insure all swatches are successfully mounted in a gray scale with even value shifts for critique. End product will be a well crafted value scale of 10 even values from black –white.

Watch and  Demonstration video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTPwkJI1I9g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-jkKJmSW_8

Materials

-Mars Black and Titanium White acrylic use same manufacturers throughout process)

-9x12 inch bristol board x 3

-Pallet knife

-2 - 3/4" - 1" Brush (bright)

-2 cups (for water)

-Paint palette (wax pallet paper)

-Paper Towels

Process/Schedule

During Class Period

1. Lay out grid (to create your swatches) on bristol board. 3 sheets total if you succeed to create a wide range of well painted solid values. 
2. Grid will have a total of 24 rectangular swatches per page, each measuring 1"x2" with 1/2" space in-between each rectangle. 3 swatches across top of 9"x12" page and 8 swatches down the length of page. Total swatches per page = 24
3. Neatly Lay separately reasonable amount of black and white paints out on palette. Mix paints starting from black (or white) and adding incremental amounts of the opposite color. Start with a clean pure white and pure black and also mix a mid tone gray that you can mix with white for lighter and black for darker values. Mix paint throughly with palette knife and then brush until well mixed and you have a solid tone and brush-in swatches to fill the entire page. Must paint with smooth strokes, no streaks and an opaque thick coat of paint for full coverage. will have to use 2-3 of coats of paint to achieve a smooth clean opaque gray tone. 
4. When mixing lighter colors please note you must mix a minimal amount of black to white. Black is a very strong dominant pigment so be very careful how much you mix into the white. it will dominate instantly.
5. Each swatch should have consistent gray shift, and be a unique value. You Must paint 3-4 of same values until you achieve smooth/even result.The more variety of values you paint, the easier it will be to select 10 strong swatches to create the final value scale.
6. The goal is to create as many distinct values as you can. Fill in each rectangle of your grid with a solid value. Paint slightly beyond the borders. you must still be able to see original guides as you will be carefully cutting out each swatch one by one with an exact blade.
7. Be sure you have all 10 values represented from from black (straight from the tube) progressing to middle gray, and continuing through light grays toward bright white (also straight from the tube). 
8. Clean your workspace and all your painting materials (brushes, palettes, etc)

During Class Period

1. Finish painting your 3 pages of value swatches. 3 pages minimum.
2. Lay out your presentation board, using the guidelines provided below.
3. With a metal ruler, and cutting board, carefully cut-out your painted swatches like strips on the 2" sides, but leaving the edges still intact so you do not lose track of your pencil markings, as they will be your guides to achieving precsion in your final cuts. Do not cut the strips they must be anchored on the on the 2" length first. do not cut the shorter 1" side yet. that will be cut slightly beyond the 2" margin. Cut very carefully following the guides you measured out. Makes life easier and cuts will be much more exact. Make sure cuts are clean, by using a new x-acto blade. NO CUTTING DIRECTLY ON TABLES. Cutting boards must be used. These have to be as close to perfect as possible.

Homework

1. Finish laying out your black presentation board, using the guidelines provided. 
2. Bring your presentation board to class, along with your x-acto knife. 
3. Finish cutting out your swatches, if not finished in class.
4. You may first glue your swatches on a strip of 2"x11" as a safety net to make sure all swatches are glued right next to each other and follow a straight pattern vertically.

Final Class Period

1. Select the best swatches from your entire page that represent 10 consistent steps in value. 
2. Show your presentation board (with layout lines/grid) to instructor. Once it has been given the ok, proceed with mounting of swatches. DO NOT PROCEED UNTIL YOUR LAYOUT HAS BEEN APPROVED.
3. Using rubber cement, carefully glue swatches to presentation board. There should be no gaps between swatches, and all swatches should be perfectly aligned. 
4. Let rubber cement dry slightly, and remove any excess glue with the appropriate eraser. 
5. Neatly Label (name and date) your work with hard pencil in lower right-hand corner. 
6. Cut and tape tissue paper sheet to act as protector. 

The final 30 mins of class will be reserved for critique.

Rubric (Assignment Goals)

You will be evaluated on the following:

1. Laying out your bristol board into an even grid (even measurements, straight lines).

2. Your ability to mix the paints evenly. 

3.  Painting swatches that are free of brush strokes, or excessive paint build up.

4.  Filling up your entire page with different/distinct values.

5. Choosing the best 10 swatches that represent even steps from black to white. 

6. Laying out your presentation board neatly (consistent measurements, and centered)

7. Cutting out your swatches, and mounting them to the presentation board. 

8. Removing excess glue and having all your swatches line up evenly. 

Layout Measurements

Below is the sample of the GRID for the Value scales. you need to me sure and cut the 2"x11" support strip to glue your swatches. if you have questions please communicate with your class mates during the break.