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Lesson Plans


Observational drawing

[ Thread ][ Subject ][ Author ][ Date ]
Sharon Henneborn (heneborn)
Thu, 05 Nov 1998 20:51:17 -0600

There are so many theories about teaching drawing and I read and test
and adopt what seems best for me. Every once in a while I like to stir
the pot and try a different idea. Someone on the list mentioned
talking through what the eye is seeing and modeling the drawing for the
students... this is not my usual method and I started an obsersational
drawing lesson last week. Today is the last day in the introductory
cycle so I decided to try a different approach with this today's group
of students...I have at least one of each grade every day so the sample
group would be consistant.

I decribed what my eye was seeing and made a huge rough sketch as I
talked. Everything else in the lesson was the same. More of their
drawings were consistantly realistic and they did not copy me. This was
a pleasant surprise. I really thought that they would try to copy my
drawing and get frustrated. Instead they copied the way of seeing. I
think we should vary our approach to accomodate the differences in
learning styles. Research supports the theory that we tend to teach
with the style we learn best.

An ammusing aside... I never draw for the students so this was a first
for them.. They are so easily impressed and thought my sketch of a
pumpkin was "great!" ... except for one 3rd grader who corrected the
group. No, Mrs. Henneborn is very good! Van Gogh is great! Helps me
keep my perspective.
Sharon
NJ