Elementary

The Essential Question
How can students illustrate different textures in both fabric and metal?

Objective
Students will create an observational drawing of fabrics and metals, focusing on value and texture.

Materials
sketchbooks, pencils, color media, drawing paper, three to five reflective objects, fabric with patterns and textures

Procedures

1. Show students images of still lifes featuring different types of fabrics. Emphasize how the artists captured texture and the folds in the cloth. Then show students still-life images of metal objects and surfaces. Compare how metal and fabric surfaces are captured differently.
2. Students choose three to five objects, as well as fabrics with various textures and designs, and bring them to class. Students arrange their items and create small thumbnail sketches of their setup. Students also practice techniques of hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling in their sketchbooks. They will use these techniques to show value in their final compositions.
3. After a peer critique on their sketches, students arrange their final still life in the manner they see fit and draw out their designs lightly in pencil. Students focus on capturing details of the patterned fabrics and the reflection in their metal objects.
4. After completion of their drawings, students use color media of their choice with an emphasis on creating value through hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling.

Leigh Drake is an art teacher at Old Donation School in Virginia Beach, Virginia.