Visual Problem:
Students will create bold and expressive figure drawings that show fluid use of line and media and a visual sense of volume in the human form.

Materials:
18" X 24" newsprint paper 18" X 24" white vellum paper Oil Pastels watercolor brushes

Pre-Activity:
Students are to increase their understanding of a flowing use of line, better proportions in representing the human form, and greater overall artistic expression.

Share the work of well-known artists to raise students' awareness of the great variety of artistic expression. Examples could include the powerful line drawings of sculptors Henry Moore and Alberto Giacometti. Both sculptors' drawings have a bold approach that offers freedom of expression in a fluid linear style. Students can observe the ease with which the line was expressed and how the use of line can create the illusion of volume. The viewer will also notice that repetitive lines help to create an illusion of three dimensional form.

Process:
Select a student model and have students begin with a loosing-up exercise using pencil, crayon, or marker on newsprint paper. Students are to create one- or two-minute sketches that are linear gesture drawings. Remind them that, as young children, they drew repetitive marks and lines like all children at the scribbling stage. This is a basic part of our human visual expression. As older students, they need to recall that looseness and expressiveness of line quality.

Encourage students to create bold and loose linear drawings of the human figure they are viewing. The student should not be concerned with detail but with creating a sense of three-dimensional form and volume.

In aiming for a linear approach, tell students to try to see the figure as a wire sculpture. The wire is wrapped around the contour of the form. Try to see the image as continuous flowing lines. The line represents the wire defining the form. The overall image allows the viewer to see through the form to the other side.

After the warm-up on newsprint paper, students use large white vellum for a quick linear exploration of form. No more than three to five minutes should be spent on a loose pencil drawing, to be used as a guideline. Students then move on to oil pastels. Ask students to select three colors that they feel work well together and use them to further develop the image. Their chosen colors follow the pencil guidelines, yet changes are made as the student continues to observe the model and refine the line.

As students complete these linear drawings of the human form, they must consider the negative space left in the composition. Once again the drawings of Alberto Giacometti are shown, where simple architectural references complete his compositions. Instruct students to look beyond the model to see and include architectural elements in the art room.

When the drawn color image is complete, water is added with a water color brush to soften and unify the form. Care is needed in the quantity and use of water to bring about this unity.

Student Choices:
overall size and selection of color

Evaluation:
Ask students: Does the drawing demonstrate a sense of three dimensional form? How is the sense of volume created in the drawing of the figure? How does the use of line and media establish visual unity?

Time:
one class per complete image Total: five classes for full development of this project (46 min. periods) Results and Observations:

Students understood that the goal of this process was not to render the human figure. By recalling the loose quality of their own scribbling stage, they made the connection required to solve this visual challenge. They felt more at ease as they focused on a more expressive use of line to define the overall form. In the planning stage, thought was given to the use of color. Since the emphasis is on a fluid linear drawing, color must be limited. Consideration was given to using a triadic color (with reference to the color wheel) or suggesting the use of analogous color. In the end, I felt students had to be part of the decision-making, so they picked three colors with which to work. Students completed five drawings on 18" X 24" white vellum. One daring student worked four feet by eight feet. Conclusion: Figure drawing is potentially stressful for the individual art student. By structuring a process that focuses on loose and flowing expression, the student feels less frustrated and more willing to accept the challenge.

Freedom of expression is encouraged when tight expectations are lifted, clear directions are given, and all students feel they can achieve a basic level of success. This process worked well and the student work reflects personally expressive results. Their sense of proportion, quality of line, and use of media increased their awareness of the human form.