Chuck Close Birds

High School Lesson Plan

Learning Objectives:
● (VA:Cr1.2.Ia) Students will explore techniques by contemporary artists to plan and develop a
work of art using the grid technique.
● (VA:Cr2.1.IIa) Students will experiment with materials and demonstrate their knowledge of the
grid method and relevant mediums by creating sketches, then practicing and adapting to new
mediums.

Materials: Powerpoint presentation, pencils, erasers, watercolor pencils

Vocab:grid technique

Day 1:
● Introduce Chuck Close. “Chuck CLose is an American painter and photographer who is known for
his realistic portraits and self-portraits. Chuck Close uses the grid technique to draw, plan, and
map out the shapes and colors he plans to use in his final piece.” Show examples of Chuck
Close’s sketches and finished pieces.
● “Today we’re going to use Close’s methods to practice drawing from observation, as well as using
the grid technique to transfer an image to a larger canvas with a 1” to 2” transfer.” Let students
choose their images, and demonstrate gridding 1” squares on image. Then, grid out 2” squares
on canvas to make it easier to transfer the image while drawing from observation.
● Demonstrate sketching using the grid method and using gridded squares as a way to accurately
draw their image.
● Students have the rest of class to grid out and draw their images,
Day 2:
● Review concepts from Day 1. Show students finished gridded drawing, then demonstrate how to
use watercolor pencils to create different lines, colors, and textures.
● Students can finish drawing out their gridded images if necessary, then being using watercolor
pencils.
Days 3-8~:
● Students have the whole class to work on adding watercolor to their pieces. Review Chuck
Close’s methods/techniques and works of art with students one-on-one during work time to
provide additional support.