James Madison University, Spring 2006
Kelly Severns Curtis
Drawing 1, ART 160
Studio Center, Room 229

The Envelope

Materials
Pen
Sharpie
Pencil
Drawing Paper
Ruler
Glue
 

Directions:

Using the envelope of instructions, construct a drawing that consists of three words,  ______, ______, and _______ taken from the list on the back of this page. Use these words as a guide to the composition and decision making process. Do not be too literal. These ideas are meant to be abstract thoughts that make you think of these words, but not literally depicting them. Draw out and complete the instructions one at a time being true to the process; don’t cheat because you don’t want to do a particular instruction. As the instructions are completed, do not return them to the envelope. Certain actions are dependent upon other directions having been completed prior to the current direction. It may be necessary to return the direction to the envelope because you don’t have enough “stuff” to complete the step at that point. Continue through the set of directions until all have been completed.

When you run out of directions hang up your drawing and look at it. Does it adhere the three original words? Do you want it to? Is it necessary to make minor changes to the drawing to complete the composition? How do you make these decisions? If you have very little on the page; perhaps your last instruction was to erase half the page, maybe you need to start the process again. Please complete all the directions at least once, then continue as necessary to bring the drawing to a point of conclusion as determined by you. Think about the above questions, how did you choose to stop at a certain point, etc?

Be open to the process. You will not want to do certain instructions because you will like what you already have. Take a chance. You will learn something from the unexpected. The drawing will change, evolve and move through periods of being “good” and “bad” as defined by you. Take this seriously, put forth an honest effort. Think about craftsmanship, the quality of lines and marks. This is as much drawing as anything else we have done this semester. Believe the process.

Due Date: Tuesday January 24th