PORTFOLIO PREP: HAND NARRATIVE
LESSON FOCUS:
NAME: ______________________________
This lesson focuses on creating a narrative drawing or painting that uses hands as the focal point.
VOCABULARY:
Anatomy: The structure of the human body (or of animals or plants).
Content: The subject matter in a painting or other work of art.
Focal point: The principal area of emphasis in a work of art. The place to which the artist directs the most attention through composition. May or may not be the same as the vanishing point in a work.
Foreshortening: A method of drawing or painting an object or person that is not parallel to the picture plane so that it seems to recede in space, giving the illusion of three dimensions. Parts get smaller as the recede.
Medium: A particular material along with its accompanying technique; a specific type of artistic technique or means of expression determined by the use of particular materials.
Narrative: Of, or having the nature of, narration; in story form. A story, account, or tale.
Representational: Any artistic style in which objects or figures are easily identified.
Symbol: A form, image, sign or subject representing a meaning other than its outward appearance.
PROCEDURE:
 Look at hands…. Your own, your parents, friends, etc.
 Look at various artist examples of hand drawings and paintings.
 Think about all that hands can do…. Create, draw, cook, etc.
 What do your hands say about you? What does your grandmother or grandfather’s hands say about her or him?
 Choose a story of hands and create a composition around that idea.
 You can focus only on hands or you can include the body or other elements to aid in the telling of your story.
 I recommend drawing from life but if needed, take several pictures to help you with your idea and the composition.
 You must include at least one pair of hands but you are not limited and can include other hands if you wish.
 Think about utilizing the space but be sure the hands remain the focal point of the composition.

 Think about your lighting…. Would dark lighting make your image more dramatic? Would cast shadows add to your composition and story?
 Once you have your idea and composition worked out, trace onto good paper or board.
 Choose a medium you feel would work best and complete your image.
MATERIALS:
 14”x 17” sketch paper
 14”x 17” paper or board
 Open medium