Geometric Still Life

Minnesota 6-8 Visual Art Standards
Used in this Lesson

  • 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of the arts area.
  • 1A. Analyze how the elements of visual art including color, line, shape, value, form, texture and space are used in the creation of, presentation of, or response to visual artworks.

  • 1b. Analyze how the principles of visual art, such as repetition, pattern, emphasis, contrast and balance are used in the creation, presentation of, or response to visual artworks.

  • 1c. Describe characteristics of Western and non- Western styles, movements and genres in art.

  • 2. Demonstrate knowledge and use of the technical skills of the art form, integrating technology when applicable.
  • 2a. Demonstrate the characteristics of the tools, materials and techniques of various two-and-three- dimensional media for intentional effects in original artworks.

  • 3. Demonstrate understanding of the personal, social, cultural and historical contexts that influence the arts areas.
  • 3a. Compare and contrast the connections among visual artworks, their purposes, and their personal, social, cultural and historical contexts, including the contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities.

  • 3b. Analyze the meanings and functions of visual art.
  • 4. Create or make in a variety of contexts in the arts area using the artistic foundations.
  • 4a. Create original two- and-three-dimensional artworks in a variety of artistic contexts.
  • 4b. Revise artworks based on the feedback of others and self-reflection and artistic intent.
  • 4c. Develop an artistic statement, including how audience and occasion influence creative choices.
  • 5. Perform or present in a variety of contexts in the arts area using the artistic foundations.
  • 5a. Assemble and prepare personal artworks for public exhibition.
  • 5b.Revise a presentation based on the feedback of others, self-reflection and artistic intent.
  • 5c. Develop an artistic intent, including how audience and occasion impact presentation choices.
  • 6. Respond to or critique a variety of creations or performances using the artistic foundations.
  • 6a. Analyze and interpret a variety of visual artworks using established criteria.

    • Additional Tie-ins

  • The science of light, shadow and color as well as reflection/refraction
  • Shading
    • Using real, 3-d geometric shapes, students are to set up a still life and draw it accurately.

    Composition of the still life is discussed first. Making sure shapes overlap each other in some way will make a more pleasing composition.

    The teacher demonstrates how to draw geometric objects accurately based on what the students are seeing from their viewpoint.

    Images below represent quick sketches of one still life viewed from 6 different positions on the table.



    Start by doing a quick "very light" sketch to ensure all the shapes will fill the paper nicely, then move on to firm up the lines and make sure proportions are accurate. Shading objects to achieve a sense of three-dimensionality is also demonstrated.

    Students may use pencil or colored pencil for this project.


    Evaluation:
    1 point -- Light sketches approved
    1 point -- Placement and use of the paper
    2 points -- Proportion
    3 points -- Contrast (ability to see objects in the drawing from a distance)
    3 points -- Shading to form three-dimensionality
    10 points total