Pipe Project - Shading
Submitted by Lisa Wessels, art teacher at Friendswood, Texas.
Level: 9th-12th

This lesson teaches composition, depiction of 3-D space, complementary color, effect of light hitting rounded objects, consistency of direction of light source, use of oil pastels and shading just to name a few.

Introduction:

Begin by describing the project as a drawing of pipes or similar pipe-like objects (hoses, tubes, etc) in varied sizes, which interweave within a 16 "square or circular format that has a discernable light source direction (not on the picture).

The Process:

On newsprint draw several (10-20) thumbnail (3-4") sketches in circular or square format to create a well balanced compositions of pipes that overlap and intertwine. These may be geometric, free form, or authentic looking plumbing type pipes. Once the student has some designs he/she likes, they decide on one or two to practice shading. Have them draw an arrow outside the frame of reference for each sketch and shade the pipes with pencil, being consistent with the light and shadow treatment. Choose the favorite sketch and enlarge it to the 16" size in a square or circular format on white sulfite drawing paper. Render using oil pastels. Use lots of color and complementary colors to shade whenever possible. Ex: an orange pipe may have a yellow highlight and a navy blue shadow.

AVOID using black to shade and white to highlight.  A rich blending of color is possible with oil pastels - have the students color solidly. (Get the students to practice with blending on scrap paper before they tackle the project.) The background will also be colored and is a good place to use black because it makes the brilliant colors of the pipes stand out. The variety is terrific.

This project makes successful artists out of everyone!