Course Title: Graphic Design and Illustration
Lesson Title: Pen and Ink Still Life
Lesson Duration: Approximately one 90 minute class for notes, intro and hand texture worksheet. Approximately three 90 minute classes for the thumbnails, pen and ink drawing.
[Lesson length is subjective and will vary from instructor to instructor]
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this assignment, students will complete a still life drawing using pen and ink techniques.
Specific Objectives:

Discuss the benefits and challenges associated with pen and ink illustration techniques.

Define terms associated with the lesson.

Demonstrate various pen and ink textures.

Plan and sketch from a still life.

Create thumbnail sketches of still life.

Enlarge a thumbnail to create a finished drawing.

Correct errors in a final drawing.

Refine pen and ink techniques.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
130.88(c)(11)(C) interpret, evaluate, and justify design decisions;
130.88 (c)(11)(D) conduct oral or written critiques of designs by:
(i) applying a critical method of evaluation;
130.88 (c)(11)(E) analyze and apply art elements and principles;
130.88 (c)(11)(F) employ a creative design process to create original two- or three-dimensional projects by:
(ii) applying elements of design;
(iv) using good composition;
(vi) demonstrating drawing in one-point, two-point, and multi-point perspective;
Interdisciplinary Correlations:
Art, Level I
117.52 (c)(1)(A) illustrate ideas for artworks from direct observation, experiences, and imagination;
117.52 (c)(1)(B) compare and contrast the use of art elements;
117.52 (c)(2)(A) create visual solutions by elaborating on direct observation;
117.52 (c)(2)(C) demonstrate effective use of art media and tools in design, drawing
117.52 (c)(4)(A) interpret, evaluate, and justify artistic decisions in personal artworks;
117.52 (c)(4)(B) select and analyze original artworks, portfolios, and exhibitions by peers and others to form precise conclusions about formal qualities, historical and cultural contexts, intents, and meanings.
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration - Pen and Ink
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
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Instructor/Trainer
References: www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/Arts/drawings/PerspectiveDrawing/Perspective.htm http://www.udel.edu/artfoundations/drawing/crosshatch.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatching
Search online for examples of hands with texture
Research other online resources for pen and ink drawing techniques
Instructional Aids:

Pen and Ink Slide Presentation

Pen and Ink Shading Exercises

Pen and Ink Drawing Rubric

Pen and Ink Student Examples Slide Presentation
Materials Needed:

Still life materials, preferably items with texture.

Pen staffs, various nibs, and India ink.

8 ” x 10” paper for thumbnails

16 ” x 20” paper for the final drawing

Pencils for sketching and thumbnails

Books on calligraphy from the library for students to review
Equipment Needed:

Computer

Projector
Learner
Complete Basic Rendering lesson in Unit 6 of GD&I.
Introduction
MI Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
ILLUSTRATE:
Introduce the historical aspect of using a dip pen and crow quill nib.
DISCUSS:
Pen and ink is a graphic art. Pen and ink was easy to reproduce with the printing press. This has made pen and ink the choice of artists and illustrators for centuries.
A nib is easy to make using a feather and a sharp blade.
EXPLAIN:
Explain how the physics of surface tension holds the ink onto the nib. If a pen staff is shaken the ink goes everywhere. India ink is permanent so care must be taken not to spill. Keep the ink well in the center of the tables. Different nibs have been created for different effects and the nib must be dipped frequently to keep ink flowing. If different nibs are available, demonstrate how they are used.
Outline
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration - Pen and Ink
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
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MI Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
I. Demonstrate various pen and ink textures.
A. Obtain the “hand textures” work sheet.
B. Trace your hands on a 8 ” x 10” or 9” x 12” sheet of paper in pencil.
C. Reproduce a different texture on each finger with the pen and ink.
D. Shade the fingers and add textures.
Instructor Notes:
Have students put as much detail into the hand and ground of their drawing. The finished work needs to dry before being stacked together.
Encourage students to play with the nibs and try out some calligraphy on the paper as well. If time allows, have students work on the
‘pen and ink shading exercises’ worksheet for extra practice.
II. Analyze still life to select an angle to draw.
A. Look at all angles of view of the still life
B. Choose the view they want to sketch.
III. Create thumbnail sketches of still life.
A. Use pencil on the thumbnails, very quick sketches used to work out composition problems before starting work on the final drawing.
B. Complete four quick (no more than five minutes each) thumbnails of the still life.
C. Use different crops and different formats with at least five objects in each sketch.
D. Do not shade the thumbnails
IV. Enlarge a thumbnail to create a finished drawing.
A. Begin with pencil –no shading.
B. Once the composition is established in pencil, begin shading techniques with the pen and ink. DO NOT OUTLNE the forms with pen and ink.
C. Leave white areas for highlights.
D. The darkest areas should be in the back of the composition casting shadows of the composition.
V. Correct errors in a final drawing.
A. If there are spills or drips, stay cool! It’s all ok,
Do not use Liquid Paper – just let it be or
NOTE: The four thumbnails will all fit on one sheet of paper.
Make the thumbnails a daily grade, each worth 25% for a total of 100%. If you do not, the students will want to stop after one thumbnail. Have them do two vertical format and two horizontal format sketches. Students should not spend too long on the thumbnails. Teacher should critique each thumbnail with the student individually.
Have the student come up to the teacher desk when they have the thumbnails done; conduct a quick critique on which thumbnails to determine which is most successful.
If you have paintbrushes, you can make various washes with the India ink and add
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration - Pen and Ink
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
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MI make shadows in that area.
B. It’s easy to make areas darker – just add more texture.
C. You cannot make anything lighter. So be careful about getting too dark too fast.
VI. Refine pen and ink techniques.
A. It is very important to keep your ink marks short and neat. No scribbling or racing through the textures.
B. Stipple is easy to create with an ink pen, be careful to not tap the pen on the table top.
Just press the tip of the pen to the paper.
Application
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Students create thumbnail sketches.
washes in areas that need more shadows.
Be sure to use a drying rack or tables to let the ink dry before stacking the work.
MI Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Create final pen and ink composition; apply textures to create highlights and shadows.
MI
Summary
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Each day, review with students the types of textures that work well with pen and ink.
MI
Evaluation
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Visually inspect student art as they are working each day. Provide redirection as necessary.
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration - Pen and Ink
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
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MI Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
Final critique; refer to the rubric for grading guidelines.
Use questioning strategies to guide the critique:

What worked with each piece?

What needs more work?

Is the composition effective?

Does the shading look complete? Does it show details effectively?

Are proportions accurate?
Extension
MI Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):

Students may use pen and ink techniques in future graphics work and/or fine visual artwork.

Students who master the technique may enter delineation competitions such as the Ken Roberts Memorial Delineation Competition sponsored by the American
Institute of Architects. Research online for this competition.
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration - Pen and Ink
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
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AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration - Pen and Ink
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
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17-20 11-16 6-10
Interesting composition, full use of space, great flow, dynamic.
Full shading on drawing with a finished look.
Clean highlights, well defined details.
Traditional composition, full use of space, limited flow.
Drawing looks good but shading could be pushed further. Clean highlights.
Details are defined.
Traditional composition but lacking full use of space, average flow, lacking dynamics.
Shading could be pushed much further.
Highlights are muddy. Lack of detail.
1-5 0
Lacking thought in composition, too much/little negative/positive space, lacking flow and dynamics.
No though to composition or use of space.
Student draws wherever pencil falls.
Bland shading few dark areas and lack of detail, objects are not recognizable.
Shading is mostly in the light to nonexistent range.
Details are crude and undefined, objects are not recognizable.
Accurate proportions in drawing. Artistic license is used to make the best composition.
Hard working students, goes beyond class time to create work. Works throughout class time; is prepared for class.
Art work is finished on time and turned in clean and ready to hang.
Proportions are good with minor flaws.
Student has stuck with what they see.
Proportions are slightly off. No extra work was done to make the still life better.
Student works throughout class period. Is always prepared for class.
Art work is turned in clean and ready to hang but may be a day late.
Student has to borrow some supplies, does not remain on task for entire class period.
Art work is turned in clean and ready to hang but may be more than a day late.
Proportions are off. Objects have little relationship to each other.
Student chooses not to work during class period; loses supplies or breaks supplies.
Can be disruptive.
Art work is several days late and turned in messy.
Details left unfinished, proportions are way off.
Work shows little care for accuracy.
Lack of participation, no supplies in class, is disruptive.
SCORE
Art work is unfinished, late, and turned in messy and or torn.
TOTAL:
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration - Pen and Ink
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
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