For this complex 2-session project we extended our previous lesson on fish line drawing and drawing from images, and took it to the next level: an underwater composition involving multiple fish, including one fish which is our center of focus, seaweed in various forms, and the ocean bottom with boulders and smaller sea life. We are overlapping and underlapping our fish with seaweed, which takes some skill, and going for good composition (our eyes should move around the frame freely and with interest). We are also applying our watercolor skills for this project.
In session one we completed the drawing stage and colored the background in mixed and blended colors using wet-on-wet watercolor techniques.
In session two we painted our fish and seaweed and added those very important finishing touches. Using see-through color and gradually building from lighter to darker shades we gave our fish depth and form. Colors were blended for a soft finish and a 3-D quality. We used at least 3 colors in ALL of our designs, because that creates interest, and because Ms. Britt always says, "Noting in nature is only one color".
Finally, we contoured all of our designs with colored pencil, choosing a similar but darker shade of our main object. Contouring creates definition and makes things pop. Excellent work kids!
Our paper edges has been taped with artist tape. Once our project was completed and dry, we pulled off the tape and revealed and crisp and clean white border. Presentation is important!
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| Kids 7-9 |
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| Kids 7-11 |
