Homework: Cereal Boxes

Project:
Using oil pastels, "paint" a still life comprised of one or two cereal boxes or other packages. Include the table surface, wall, and cast shadows in your drawing.

Set up a cereal box on a table top. Light the set up with a single light source, so that there are clear changes in darkness on each of the sides of the box.

This is to be done from direct observation, not from a photograph.


Objectives:

• Improve observational accuracy
• Build a strong composition
• Mix specific colors with accuracy - Blend oil pastel colors
• Establish 3D form through chiaroscuro and color changes
• Improve your ability to create a rich range of tonal value
• Become skillful with the oil pastel "painting"

Materials:

• Boxes (two package designs)
• Sketchbook
• Pencil
• Oil pastels

Grading Criteria:

• Composition
• Accuracy of line, shape, and color
• Three-Dimensional Form through Chiaroscuro - Shifts of tonal value and color
• "Completeness" - Craftsmanship

Below are some contemporary painters to look and to learn from. Remember to concentrate on the changes in color even within the same surfaces/planes. Also remember that every change in direction (every plane) will have a shift in value and in color temperature. Typically, shadows will be cooler in color (bluer) and where the light hits will be warmer (more yellow, orange, or red), but not always.
Dik Liu 
Wayne Thibaud


To Start:

1. Set up your cereal box(es) on a table top. Light the still life with a single light source, so that there are clear changes in darkness on each of the sides of the box.
2. Draw thumbnails and/or rough drafts of the composition, in pencil, blocking out the basic arrangement of lights and darks.
3. On a piece of sketchbook paper, use pencil to lightly draft the outlines of your major shapes.
4. "Paint" your still life with oil pastels.