TWENTY DRAWINGS ASSIGNMENT

Drawing is an excellent method for noticing remarkable details about the everyday world. It will reward your patience with significant perceptual insights and help you carve out time time for just seeing. For the very best results, spend the majority of your drawing time looking at your object rather than the paper.

Using index-card sized paper and a pencil, make a series of discovery sketches via one of the assignments below. Remember, the drawing itself is just a historical artifact of your seeing so don't be concerned with creating polished work. Bring your sketches to class, where we'll create a quick gallery to experience them all. Title each drawing as noted below and sign with your initials.

Option 1: Found Objects
On the way to ITP or home, gather a collection of physical artifacts. Leaves, scraps of paper, bottle caps, twigs, flyers, cans and so forth all are good. Try to obtain 20 different things. Make a quick sketch of each to explore it and title each with what it is and where you found it. Bring both your collection and your drawings to class.

Option 2: Stains and Splotches
Over the next week, find and draw different stains, splotches, scuffs, dents and flaws that you find around you. Try to create 20 different sketches. Title each one with a simple description, like "rug discoloration in doctor's waiting room" and don't forget to sign your work.

Option 3: Reflections and Shadows
Make drawings of various reflections, shadows, highlights and light patterns that you find in the real world during the week. Try to create at least 20 different sketches. Title each one with a simple description, such as "shadow of water glass on remote control." Sign each with your initials.

Option 4: Set Variations
Pick an object that you can collect a set of, like pebbles, screws, gum wrappers or socks. Explore their differences by drawing them. Add text descriptions to your drawings to point out the ways in which the objects vary from one other. Also compile a list of all the differences on a separate sheet of paper. Bring your collection, the drawings and your list of variations for display.