Designed for students aged 14–18 (UK Key Stages 4–5 / Years 10–13), but adaptable for other ages.
Learning objectives
To develop understanding of colour theory by experimenting with colour combinations that transform the mood and atmosphere of a drawing.
To experience the freedom of creating a drawing with no fixed edges.
To explore how using a colour ground can give an artwork an immediate sense of mood and harmony.
Learning outcomes
A series of small drawings responding to Google Earth aerial shots, in colour.
Two drawings responding to view from window in colour.
One imaginary expanded map.
You will need
Colour pencils
Pastels
Watercolour paints
A phone, tablet, or computer with internet access (for Google Maps)
Dorry SpikesSantería, Santa Marta - Cuba
Dorry SpikesAfter a Japanese Scroll of a Chinese Settlement at the British Museum
Exercise 1
Use an online map service, like Google Maps, to find interesting aerial scenes. As you scroll look for interesting colour combinations. Draw these in colour pencil.
Exercise 2
Now draw from your immediate environment. Look out the window and try to draw several images of what you can see.
Exercise 3
Finally, you will bring all your images together in a collage. Draw a huge map like image containing lots of space. Within this map you can either collage your smaller images of specific scenes or draw them again. Think about the mood of your place and how the small scale contrasts the huge expanses of land.
