Designed for students aged 11–14 (UK Key Stage 3 / Years 7–9), but adaptable for other ages.
Learning objectives
Understand the basic forms and structure of the hand.
Explore why the motif of a hand holding a flower has been an enduring theme in Western art.
Use tone and expressive mark-making to create convincing drawings of hands interacting with nature.
Learning outcomes
Three quick warm-up drawings of hands.
One sustained, developed drawing of a hand holding a flower.
You will need
Charcoal
Paper
Eraser
Any additional drawing materials of your choice
Dani TrewWarp Roses
Dani TrewLunaria
Introduction
Hands holding flowers is a common motif in many artistic traditions across the globe. For example, Paula Modersohn-Becker's 'Self-Portrait with Two Flowers in Her Raised Left Hand' (1907) or Hans Memling's 'Young Woman with a Pink' (ca. 1485-90). It can represent beauty, as well as the fleeting and impermanent nature of life. In this class, you will create several drawings of your hand holding a flower.
Exercise 1
Draw your other hand. For this short warm up, use one continuous line only. Let the line follow the contours of your knuckles, fingers, and palm.
Exercise 2
Draw with your non-dominant hand. How does it feel to make marks in a different way?
Exercise 3
Draw your clenched hand without looking at your page. Use touch to guide your drawing by feeling the shapes of your hand as you draw. How does this compare to your previous observed drawings?
Exercise 4
Prepare a ground on your paper. A ground is made by covering the paper in an even coat of charcoal or graphite. This means you can draw into the surface using an eraser, as well as adding marks with your drawing material.
Pick up your flower in your dominant hand and turn your hand to explore a few angles until you find a pose you like. Begin your drawing, focusing on the contrast between the strength of your hand and the delicate qualities of the flower.
