Understanding Art
Soda Can Project Instructions/Expectations:
This project is based on the elements of art. Students have previously learned/reviewed the
elements of art and understand how all six elements can be identified in artworks of all kinds. As
they create this soda can project they are aware of each of the elements of art as they work.
Drawing directions:
• Using contour lines draw the outer edge of the soda can to FILL the paper along all four
sides to capture the image and shape of the crushed soda can keeping in mind that it is a 3-D
form.
• Continue to draw all creases and folds from the outside to the inside of the can.
• Look carefully at the product design of the can and draw all the graphic lettering and images
exactly how you see all if it in order to make the branding of the can recognizable as well as
to emphasize all the creases within the crushed can. Remember, lettering/images should
look altered/abstract.
• Finish the drawing by looking for the highlights (shiny spots) on the metal can and draw
these spots as freeform shapes directly on top of the graphics and creases.
• Outline the completed drawing using both thick and thin Sharpie permanent markers. Do
NOT fill in any of the areas solid black; make sure it is only a line drawing.
• This part of the project focuses strongly on identifying line types, quality, and variation,
shapes and forms, positive and negative spaces, and texture.
Color directions:
• Identify 2-D shapes within the can drawing. Half of these will be colored in with marker and
the other half with colored pencil; remember to balance these two media.
• A particular/meaningful set of colors are to only be used; look carefully at the individual
color properties and the color schemes to select one for this project (this was previously
studied in the textbook).
• Use markers for the larger shapes and ONLY outline the shape within the black marker
edge. Change colors for different shapes and outline approximately half of all the shapes
within the can drawing. (Remember to stick to your chosen color property/scheme).
• Using a small cup of water and a small paintbrush, lightly brush water onto one marker line
color. The color will spread with the water so direct the brush to fill the center of that shape
with only with that one color. (When changing to a different shape with a different marker
color wash the brush first; NEVER smear the brush through multiple colors. Watercolor
application with individual shapes can be pale, splotchy, or dark.
• For the other half of the shapes, use colored pencils to shade in each shape with a different
color (stick to your same color property/scheme). Shading must show the pressure
gradation from one side of a shape to the other. Avoid scratchy/sloppy lines. Make sure you
shading is smooth and fills in the shape neatly.