Middle School

Drawing by L. Hydrick, grade eight.

The Essential Question
How can students demonstrate knowledge of shading and accuracy in a still life?

Objective
Students will draw and shade a still life composed of candy and then apply watercolor.

Materials
illustration boards, pencils, rulers, blending stumps, various candies, photo reference of still life, watercolors, masking fluid or tape

Procedures
1. Students use real candy to compose a still life. If multiple classes are using the candy, students can photograph their layout after each class period to remember the arrangement.
2. Students draw and shade their selected candy by using the gridded drawing method or the contour line method.
3. Students use masking fluid or tape to block out small areas and highlights before painting.
4. Students mix various watercolors to match the colors of their candy and candy wrappers.
5. Students apply watercolors to their drawing. When their painting is dry, they remove the masking.

Assessment
Students will be assessed by the effort and skill they use in drawing accuracy and applying color.

Melody Weintraub is a retired middle-school art teacher and art education adjunct at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.