Assignment #3 Figure and Architecture.

Class  #3
Assignment # 3

Theme: Figure Interacting with the Environment

Parameters: In this assignment we will explore the entire process of putting together an illustration from the sketch, gathering reference, compiling and montaging reference, creating compositional sketches, doing color comps and creating a final illustration. You will need to go out, get models and photograph both models and the environments you wish to use.The best models you will find are other Illustration students!

Assignment Create an illustration that includes a figure interacting in an environment with a building exterior or an interior that is clearly recognizable.  The subject matter is up to you, but I want there to be some objective or interest to the main figure. Do not expect that one photo will include everything you need. Use multiple photos and composite to make a cohesive image. You may also supplement with reference gathered both from resources like books, internet and magazines. Sketches in sketchbooks are a great idea as well.

    Week one: Based on thumbnails developed from information from your photo shoot and reference gathering, no fewer than a half-dozen sketches will be presented to be reviewed and analyzed in a group critique to narrow possibilities for comprehensives (comps.). Sketches will be at least 4”X5” each, mounted on a single black sheet of board (15”X20”, 20”X30” or 30”X40”).
Reference: Bring in at least ten examples of the reference gathered in pursuit of the assignment.
     Week two: A B&W comprehensive, at least 8”X10”, will be presented with at least two differing color comps. They will all be mounted on a single piece of black board (15”X20”, 20”X30” or 30”X40”) for a group review.
     Week three: Using information from the photo shoot, a finished painting in a wet medium (water/color, acrylics, oils, or gouache) between 12”X16” and 30”X40”, will be presented for a group review

•Purpose - You are expected to share ideas and direct the models to create effective reference for a narrative illustration. Quoting Hall of Fame illustrator Pruitt Carter, “The illustrator may be likened to the director of a motion picture, or spoken stage-play. He must know his characters – their emotions and desires – he must set the stage, and direct the arrangement and action and conflict of drama. He must do the scenery, design the costumes and handle the lighting effects.”

Directly gathering visual information through photography is necessary to most forms of illustration. For many, this will be your first use of photographic reference and, possibly, wet color mediums (paint) to produce a realistic illustration. Following the progression of thumbnails, sketches, comps., and finish introduces the standard sequence involved in developing an idea and presenting it to a client.