Edward Hopper / Composition

Edward Hopper is used to introduce the key ideas of both observational figure drawing and building a composition using a sketchbook.

Over several lessons students produce sketches to create three layerswhich will be used as the basis of a large painted composition. This project provides an opportunity for group work and by combining sketches produced by a number of students it provides an excellent way to address special needs issues.

Building up a sketchbook and then pooling ideas to create a large composition can easily run to 10 / 12 lessons. As is the case with other units individual sheets can be used independently or to support other related projects, for example if students are studying another figurative artists or looking at portraiture.

Students not only explore contextual issues within this unit but they also develop new skills and understanding of sighting, perspective, proportion, figure drawing, composition and the role and use of a sketchbook.

This unit requires all the usual consumerable equipment but in addition large paper (A1 or even A0) and overhead projectors and acetate sheets, to enlarge the composition.

As a small group work project this unit allows more able students to work with and support students with specific special needs. Students who struggle to produce a selection of suitable sketches won’t be denied the opportunity to develop a composition.

Students will produce a sketchbook containing numerous observational figure drawings, portraits and drawings of interiors and exteriors and a shared contribution to a larger composition.

Working at a larger format allows students to explore painted detail in greater depth, textures can be rendered for example to create greater realism.

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