Curriculum

Values

In drawing, light and dark values refer to the range of lightness and darkness used to create depth, contrast, and dimension.

• Light values (highlights) are areas where light hits an object, appearing lighter or white.

• Dark values (shadows) are areas that are less exposed to light, appearing darker or black.

Composition

Composition refers to the arrangement of elements like lines, shapes, colors, and textures within a work. It determines how these elements interact to create balance, focus, and harmony, guiding the viewer's eye and conveying the intended message or emotion.

Form and shape

Shape refers to flat, two-dimensional areas with defined boundaries, such as circles or squares. Form refers to three-dimensional structures with depth, like spheres or cubes, often created through shading, perspective, or sculpture. Shape is about outline, while form adds volume and space.

Color theory

Color theory is the study of how colors interact, combine, and create visual effects. It involves:

1. Primary colors (red, blue, yellow) are the foundation for all other colors.

2. Secondary colors (orange, green, purple) are made by mixing primary colors.

3. Complementary colors are pairs (like red and green) that enhance each other when used together.

4. Analogous colors are next to each other on the color wheel, creating harmony.

Color theory helps artists create balance, contrast, and mood in their work.

Perspective

Perspective in drawing is a technique used to represent three-dimensional objects and spaces on a two-dimensional surface, creating the illusion of depth and distance. It relies on key elements like a horizon line, vanishing points, and converging lines to mimic how objects appear smaller as they recede into the distance. Perspective helps make drawings look realistic and visually accurate, aligning with how we naturally perceive the world.

Shading

Shading in drawing is the technique of applying varying degrees of darkness to represent light and shadow, creating the illusion of depth, texture, and form. It helps to show how light interacts with an object. Artists use different shading methods, such as hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, or blending, to create smooth transitions between light and dark areas, enhancing realism and dimension in the drawing.

Anatomy and proportions

Human anatomy and proportions refer to the study of the human body's structure and how to represent it accurately. Key principles include:

1. Proportions: The body is typically divided into 8 equal head-lengths (for an average adult). The head is the basic unit of measurement for the rest of the body.

2. Key landmarks: The shoulders are usually 2 heads wide, the arms reach down to the mid-thigh, and the legs are about half the body's total length.

3. Anatomy: Understanding muscle and bone structure helps artists depict realistic body forms, postures, and movements.