Welcome to Ms Borgersen's digital art class

Countries and their very diverse Skyline


Skylines around the world showcase incredible diversity. The buildings that define these skylines are often points of national pride, featuring unique shapes, historical significance, or memorials to influential figures. Take the Eiffel Tower, for example—this iconic structure is undeniably linked to France. When people think of France, the Eiffel Tower often comes to mind, and vice versa.

About the Eiffel Tower
When Gustave Eiffel’s company constructed Paris’ most famous landmark for the 1889 World’s Fair, many viewed the massive iron structure with skepticism. Today, the Eiffel Tower is celebrated as an architectural marvel and remains the world’s most visited paid tourist attraction, also playing a crucial role in television and radio broadcasting.

Originally designed as a temporary exhibit, the Eiffel Tower faced demolition in 1909. However, city officials recognized its value as a radiotelegraph station and opted to preserve it. During World War I, the tower intercepted enemy radio communications, relayed alerts about zeppelins, and helped coordinate troop reinforcements. It narrowly escaped destruction again during World War II when Hitler ordered its demolition, but the command was never executed. Additionally, during the German occupation of Paris, French resistance fighters famously cut the tower’s elevator cables, forcing Nazi soldiers to climb the stairs instead.

Pen Tool Skylines Project

This unit focuses on helping students become proficient with the Pen Tool in Adobe Illustrator. As they are new to the software and this is their second project, mastering the Pen Tool—an essential drawing feature—is crucial. Students will select a city skyline to trace and fill with color.

To add depth to the project, we will explore color theory and the concept of atmospheric perspective. Students will learn that objects closest to the viewer should be darker, while those farther away should be lighter. This understanding will encourage them to consider the layering of their buildings and the appropriate colors for each.

what is atmospheric Perspective

Atmospheric perspective, also known as aerial perspective, is a technique used in art to create the illusion of depth and distance in a two-dimensional work. This effect is achieved by manipulating color, value, and clarity of detail. Here are the key elements:
  1. Color: Objects that are farther away tend to appear lighter and bluer. This is due to the scattering of light in the atmosphere, which causes distant elements to lose their vibrancy.
  2. Value: Distant objects often have lower contrast than those that are closer. As items recede into the background, they become less distinct, which softens their edges and reduces their overall intensity.
  3. Detail: Closer objects are depicted with more detail and sharper lines, while distant objects are rendered with less detail and softer edges. This helps create a sense of distance.
By employing these principles, artists can effectively convey depth and a sense of three-dimensional space within their work, making scenes feel more realistic and immersive.

project requirments 

  1. trace a silloutted skyline with the pen tool
  2. layer different building to be in front and behind
  3. apply atmospheric perspective in the coloring
  4. student demonstrate craftmanship
  5. student demonstrate creativity
  6. student demonstrate good work ethic

Step By Step Instructions

Rubric

skylinerubric.pdf
File Size: 46 kb
File Type: pdf
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