Midterm: Elements & Principles of Design Still Life
Project Overview
For your midterm, you will demonstrate your understanding of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design learned during the first semester.
You will begin by accurately drawing a classroom still life using observation skills such as:
Sighting and measuring
Object placement
Proportion
Negative space
Observation from life
Once your drawing is complete, you will transform it into a finished artwork that demonstrates your understanding of:
A medium of your choice
At least 2–3 Elements of Art and/or Principles of Design
Your final artwork may be realistic, stylized, or abstract.
Learning Goals
Students will:
Practice observational drawing skills.
Demonstrate accurate proportion and placement.
Apply Elements of Art and Principles of Design intentionally.
Explore a medium of their choice.
Create a finished artwork that reflects creativity and craftsmanship.
Project Requirements
Artwork Requirements
Draw the still life accurately from observation.
Use sighting, placement, negative space, and proportion.
Transform the drawing into a finished artwork.
Demonstrate 2–3 Elements of Art and/or Principles of Design.
Use a medium of your choice.
Artwork may be:
Realistic
Stylized
Abstract
Color or black-and-white are both acceptable.
Size Requirements
Paper Size: 8" × 10"
Materials
Choose from approved classroom media, including:
Colored Pencil
Pen & Ink
Marker
Graphite
Charcoal
Watercolor
Mixed Media
Elements of Art Covered This Semester
Line
Contour Line
Gestural Line
Implied Line
Shape
Geometric Shapes
Organic Shapes
Texture
Actual Texture
Implied Texture
Value
Positive & Negative Space
Principles of Design Covered This Semester
Pattern
Emphasis
Focal Point
Composition
Contrast
Balance
Symmetrical
Asymmetrical
Radial
Rhythm
Irregular
Progressive
Movement
Example
Medium: Pen & Prisma Color
Elements/Principles Used:
Line
Pattern
Emphasis
Directions
Step 1
Accurately draw the still life as you see it.
Step 2
Choose a medium (or combination of media).
Step 3
Incorporate 2–3 Elements of Art and/or Principles of Design into your artwork.
Step 4
Complete your artwork with strong craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Step 5
Upload a clear, high-quality photograph of your finished project to your class Midterm Slideshow.
Step 6
Complete your vocabulary explanation slideshow.
Due Date
Due at the end of your class period.
Bring:
Completed artwork
Open sketchbook
Uploaded photo of artwork
Vocabulary slideshow
Midterm Rubric (20 Points Total)
Criteria | 4 - Advanced | 3 - Proficient | 2 - Developing | 1 - Beginning |
Vocabulary Slideshow | Thoroughly explains vocabulary using accurate definitions and examples. | Explains most vocabulary correctly. | Partial explanations or some inaccuracies. | Missing or minimal vocabulary explanations. |
Meeting Project Requirements | Accurately draws the still life and successfully demonstrates 2–3 elements/principles. | Meets most project requirements with minor errors. | Meets some requirements but important components are missing. | Does not meet project requirements. |
Craftsmanship | Artwork is neat, polished, and demonstrates strong technical skill. | Artwork is complete and mostly neat. | Artwork shows inconsistent effort or unfinished areas. | Artwork is rushed, messy, or incomplete. |
Creativity | Artwork shows strong personal expression, originality, and thoughtful use of design concepts. | Artwork shows some creativity and personal decision-making. | Limited creative choices are evident. | Minimal creativity or personal expression. |
Participation & Effort | Remained focused throughout the project and consistently used class time productively. | Usually stayed on task and used time appropriately. | Needed frequent redirection or used time inconsistently. | Rarely participated or did not use class time effectively. |
Total: 20 Points
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