For this assignment, you are to bring a piece of transparent glass to render. The piece should be sufficiently complex so as to provide an interesting surface to render. Only clear glass will be accepted, no colored glass, please. Look carefully for the reflections and shadows as well as light refractions on the surface, for these are the elements which, when combined properly and accurately, visually communicate "glass". Once you have selected your piece, you will fill it halfway with water. This is how you will render your object. Please use the "hatching" and "cross-hatching" techniques for this project.
Specifications:
Within a 8" by 10" sheet of Bristol board, you will produce one finished pen and ink, pointillist rendering of a transparent glass object, half-filled with water. The finished illustration will then be mounted to black matteboard or foamboard with a 1/2" border all the way around.
Instructions:
Begin with a thorough observation of your subject. Take a few minutes to understand the object's form and texture. Take special care to denote the play of light upon the surface of the object, as this will be one of the determining factors in producing convincing texture and volume.
Next, lightly sketch your object with pencil. You should produce several studies of your object before you begin on the final illustration. Use these sketches to assist you in determining correct placement of light, shadow, transitions and textural effects, as well as placement of the illustration on the page and correct reproduction of the form itself in correct perspective.
Pay careful attention to the way reflections are made. You must realize that glass has no color, lightness or darkness of its own - it merely reflects those features from its surroundings. An area of light placed in correct proximity to an area of dark will equal reflection. There is very little middle ground - everything with glass is either light or dark, you just to be observant enough to realize where to place them.
If done well, this piece stands an excellent chance of being included as a portfolio piece.
Instructor's Examples:
Examples by Previous SAU Students:
