Question

Object Drawing: Draw and paint the group of objects placed before you on Whatman (Handmade) paper, Cartridge paper, Pastel paper or Oil sketching paper. The drawing may be painted either in Pastel colours, Oil colours (on oil sketching paper), Oil pastels, Poster colour or watercolour. Your drawing should not be less than 20 cm. Paint the drapery on the background and proper foreground along with the group of objects.
Keep in view the following points while painting the group of objects: (a) Correct drawing of the objects as well as correct form and proportions - 10 marks; (b) Colour scheme that is keeping in view the nearness of the true colours of the objects showing proper light, shade and shadow - 15 marks; (c) Composition of objects - 5 marks.

Answer 1

Step 1: Observe the group:
Look at the objects for a few minutes before you draw. Note their shapes, sizes, positions and true colours. See where the light falls and where the shadows lie.

Step 2: Choose paper, medium and size:
Use Whatman, cartridge, pastel or oil sketching paper. Choose one medium: pastel, oil colour (on oil sketching paper only), oil pastel, poster colour or watercolour. Keep the drawing at least 20 cm in size.

Step 3: Make a light sketch:
With a soft pencil, mark the whole group in one big shape first. Then divide it into simple forms such as a cylinder, a sphere and a cone. Place the objects so that they fill the sheet well.

Step 4: Correct proportion and perspective:
Compare the height and width of each object with the others. Draw ellipses for round mouths and bases. The ones nearer your eye level look thinner, and the ones far below it look rounder. Keep the eye level the same for all objects. Rub out extra lines.

Step 5: Draw the drapery, background and foreground:
Sketch the folds of the cloth with soft, flowing lines. Paint the background lighter or darker than the group, so that the objects stand out. Give the foreground a proper table top.

Step 6: Apply the colour scheme:
Start with light washes or base tones in the true colours of the objects. Then add the middle tones. Add dark tones in the shade side, and a darker cast shadow on the table. Leave a bright highlight on shiny surfaces.

Step 7: Finish the work:
Blend the tones softly. Sharpen the edges of the nearest objects only. Check that the colours match the real objects. Keep the sheet clean.

Step 8: How the marks are earned:
Correct drawing, form and proportion carry 10 marks. The colour scheme, with true colours, light, shade and shadow, carries 15 marks. Composition of the objects carries 5 marks.

Step 9: Common mistakes:
Objects that lean or have unequal sides, a drawing smaller than 20 cm, muddy colours, missing cast shadows, and a bare background lose marks.

Final Answer:
Draw the group in correct form, paint it in its true colours with light, shade and shadow, and place it well with drapery and foreground.