Italy Secondaria di secondo grado – classe 1ª Graphic and painting disciplines

1. Drawing and painting

Graphic and painting techniques · Form and composition · Representation and anatomy

• Drawing and Painting – Drawing is a way of seeing and thinking: we use it to record what we observe, to remember, to plan designs and to express ideas. A good drawing starts by blocking in: seeing objects as simple shapes (sphere, box, cylinder) and checking proportions with light lines. Line then defines edges, and line weight (heavy or light) shows what is near or far. Light gives form: on a lit object we see the highlight, mid-tone, core shadow, reflected light and cast shadow. Tonal value runs from white to black; strong contrast of light and dark is called chiaroscuro, and a picture can be in a high key (mostly light) or low key (mostly dark). Dry media (graphite, charcoal, pastels, coloured pencils) build tone with hatching, cross-hatching, stippling and blending; wet media (ink, watercolour, gouache, acrylic, oil) build it with washes, layers (glazes) and mixing colours. Linear and atmospheric perspective show space, and figure drawing uses proportion, gesture and foreshortening. Artists record ideas in sketchbooks and use traditional, alternative and digital tools safely and sustainably.
• Composition in Art: How Artists Arrange a Picture – Composition is the way an artist arranges shapes, lines, colours and spaces inside a frame (or in 3D space for a sculpture). A good composition has a clear focal point, balance, contrast between figure and ground, and lines that guide the eye. Simple tools like the rule of thirds help you plan it.
• Figure Drawing: Proportion and Anatomy for Artists – To draw a person, build the figure from simple shapes, measure it in head units (about 7 to 8 heads tall), remember that bones never change length and only joints bend, use one light to show form, and read colour as warm light against cool shade. Work from life and images, move from quick sketch to careful study to finished model, and photograph your work to keep an archive.