Shaded Metamorphosis
Are you done testing the basics of drawing?
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Do you think you are as good as it gets?
Do you want to challenge yourself?
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Then, try the metamorphosis project, which will stretch your shading capabilities to their limit.
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Step 1: The planning
You will start off by finding two images to use: your beginning image and your end image. These images will merge into each other through a series of several steps.
You can use 3 to 5 steps, as long as the transition is smooth.
As you find your images, save them on a Google doc and share them with me if you need it to be printed.
You can trace the beginning and end images -- the trick will be shading them as well as drawing the middle connection images!
As part of your planning, you will start by creating a minimum of three thumbnails showing three different compositions for your idea.
A thumbnail is a small sketch that includes the border of your canvas or paper; it defines the shape of your final drawing.
These thumbnails help you decide your composition and help you refine your idea.​
Step 2: The shading sample
After you have refined your idea, you will test your shading technique with four different pencils ranging from H to 6B.
Keep in mind: your shading doesn't have to be blended as demonstrated by Mrs. J.
You can use any type of shading technique you find appealing -- from pointillism, to hatching, to crosshatching, to scumbling, to blending.
Step 3: The rough draft
​You will now create a rough draft of your image in sketch paper. You have to figure out your transitions before you get the good paper, and adjust them so that you know where you are going. Show me your sketch when you are ready for the good paper!
Step 4: The final work
On your final paper, you will lightly sketch the location of your drawings and start outlining them with a light hand.
The number 1 mistake that students do when shading something is not adding enough gray areas. Shading your piece doesn't just involve adding shadows; in fact, EVERY area of your drawing should have some shade of gray in it. The only white areas are the highlights, and those are very rare.
Carefully look at the drawings below and try to find where are the areas which are completely white. See how little these are? Use them sparingly for the best 3D effects!
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