Bust Drawing Project at the Detroit Institute of Arts

Recently I took one of my Drawing I classes to the Detroit Institute of Arts for a bust drawing project. While we usually do perspective drawing in there, this was later in the semester and we were working on portraits.  So I gave them a project to choose and draw one of the many busts the DIA is famous for.  Certainly one of the best collections in North America!

Given that there are so many busts made of so many different materials, I left the medium for the assignment open so they could match their chosen bust with the best possible combination of drawing tools and paper.  I helped them with these choices so they could best recreate marble, bronze, wood or any of the numerous materials they might find them in.  This offered the chance for several to experience completely new-to-them mediums.

It was a combination of field trip, studio and home work.  They were started from life in the museum to capture the gesture and create a strong composition.  The bulk of the project was handled from high-quality photographs, and we went back to the museum for final details and textures.  Here are a few highlights! Keep in mind, these are Drawing I students!!!!

 Pastel and charcoal on paper, 25"X19"

 Charcoal on paper, 19"X25"

Conte and pastel on paper, 25"X19"