Instructional Objectives:
1. Students will
have explored web sites (in computer lab, or at home) in
preparation for their research reports and have made observations of
light, shadow, color and space relationships found in a Vermeer painting
of their choice.
2.
Students will sketch from observation, a
Vermeer portrait noting interior space and light source.
3. Student models
will pose in a similar scene to Vermeer’s paintings, “The Milkmaid” and
“The Astronomer” for classmates to sketch.
4. Students will
create a Vermeer style genre drawing which may be entitled: “Serving
Tea” or “The Student”.
5. Students will
create a Vermeer composition using charcoal and chalk to express light
and shadow.
Time Required:
Days 4 -10. 40-minute periods
Advanced
Preparation: Teacher prepares
props and room set-up to simulate a Vermeer interior. A strong light
source must come from the left side window or use of flood lights to
elicit strong lights and darks on subject.
Materials:
sketchpads, pencils, erasers, charcoal paper, ebony pencils, charcoal,
chalk
Vocabulary:
1. sketch
2. composition 3. scale 4. perspective
Procedure:
Day 4 -10 –
Students will
create pencil sketches of a painting of their choice to develop the
genre style of portraits indoors, with light coming in from a window on
the left. Students will model at the classroom window to simulate a
Vermeer interior today, using props and costumes. Students will draw
their subject using charcoal and chalk to achieve the deep light
focusing our attention on our subject and their daily task. Using
drawing skills and study of tonal values and shading, students will
create a Vermeer style
portrait.
Thought provoking
questions might be:
1.
How can I transform my classroom into a Vermeer interior?
2.
What must be omitted or changed to create the perception of a
strong light source?
3.
How large should major elements of my composition be?
4.
How can I develop my drawing skills with regard to observation of
details, perspective, value studies, and point of view? (Blueprints for
the Arts Benchmarks)
Homework:
Sketch a figure at home in a natural everyday setting. For example: mom
in kitchen, dad in garden, sister doing homework, etc.
