project library

Classic Pen & Ink Still Life

This timeless drawing project develops patience and precision as students render a still life in pen and ink, exploring contrast, texture and design. Level: Middle to High School.

  • Includes 28-page slideshow on value, shading, and composition, with examples from art history, as well as 7 examples of student work. Teaches students to identify shadows, midtones, and highlights, how to place objects within a composition, and how to crosshatch/shade.

  • Full lesson plan with learning objectives, standards-alignment, materials, tips, instructional steps, and rubric.

  • Types of Line Cheat Sheet and Worksheet.

  • Two viewfinder templates (square and rectangle).

Bundle Overview

This project teaches students how to identify shadows, midtones, and highlights, how to effectively arrange objects within a composition, and how to crosshatch and shade using pen and ink.