Question

Make a design for a decorative curtain border in 10 cm × 24 cm size. The design should be based on lotus flower, leaves and buds. Add any animal or bird at appropriate place in the same. Use at least three amicable colours in the design. The colour scheme should be attractive and pleasing to the eyes.
Pay special attention to the following points: (a) Originality and repeats of the units - 12 marks; (b) Rhythmic lining - 12 marks; (c) Good harmony and colour scheme - 24 marks; (d) General effect and attraction - 12 marks.

Answer 1

Step 1: Materials and sheet:
Take a drawing sheet, HB pencil, eraser, ruler, poster colours, brushes (No. 0, 2 and 4) and a black or dark brown outliner. Draw a rectangle of 10 cm × 24 cm with the ruler. Draw a thin inner line 0.5 cm inside it as a frame.

Step 2: Plan the units:
Divide the 24 cm length into four equal units of 6 cm. Mark them with light vertical lines. Draw a light horizontal centre line at 5 cm. Every unit will carry the same motif, so the repeat stays exact.

Step 3: Sketch the lotus, buds and leaves:
In each unit draw an open lotus, about 3 cm wide, on the centre line. Start with an oval, then add pointed petals: three in the middle and two on each side. Draw a small circle for the seed pod. Draw two buds as teardrop shapes on curved stems, one on each side. Add round lotus leaves with wavy edges and a few radiating veins.

Step 4: Add the bird:
Place one small parrot (about 2 cm) in the space beside the lotus in every unit, so that the bird repeats with the rest of the pattern. Use simple shapes: an oval body, a round head, a curved beak and a triangular tail. Keep it smaller than the lotus so it does not dominate.

Step 5: Join the repeats:
Draw one flowing wavy stem along the full length of the border, connecting all four units. Keep the gaps equal. Rub out the guide lines gently.

Step 6: Colour scheme:
Use a cream-yellow background, pink lotus petals shading to white at the tips, green leaves with dark green veins, magenta buds and a green parrot with a red beak. Use maroon for the frame. Apply flat, even colour. Let each patch dry before the neighbouring one is painted.

Step 7: Rhythmic lining:
Outline every shape with a dark outliner of uniform thickness. Draw fine lines on petals and veins. Keep the curves smooth and flowing, without shaky joins.

Step 8: How the marks are earned:
Originality and repeats of units: 12. Rhythmic lining: 12. Harmony and colour scheme: 24. General effect and attraction: 12. Total: 60.

Step 9: Common mistakes:
Unequal units, colours spilling over the lines, too many bright colours, a very large bird, and smudged pencil marks lose marks.

Final Answer:
A neat 10 cm × 24 cm border with four equal lotus units, a small bird, three or more harmonious colours and smooth outlines earns full marks.