Extraterrestrials

Are we alone in the universe or do creatures and beings live in the far reaches of the galaxy? What would these creatures look like? Would they have bodies like our own, or would they be reptilian or insectoid? How would they live? What type of character traits would they posses: evil, compassionate, hostile, or congenial? What would their home world be like? Would their culture be dominated by males or females of the species? Are there males and females? We can only guess and wait for visitors.

The Assignment

Draw what you think an extraterrestrial would look like. Use color markers, pencils or even crayon Consider physical characteristics, the habitat the being would live in and the culture it lives in. Write a paragraph describing each of the areas. (Minimum of three sentences.)

The inspiration for this assignment comes from Barlowe's Guide Extraterrestrials.

Mr. Boccini's Alien 2015

Equilonians

Physical Characteristics:
The Equilonians are a humanoid species that exhibit qualities of earth horses. They stand approximately 10 feet in size on strong legs supported by a large hoofs. Their bodies are covered in coarse brown hair. Males often have distinguishing white spots on their backs. Their tall alert ears warn them of danger. They take special pride in their long flowing manes. The males will spend hours preening their mane in order to attract eligible mates. Their long snouts encase large carnivorous teeth that allow them to quickly devour their prey.

Habitat:
Equilon is a planet in the Xenon Solar System. It's surface is covered in tall grasses that sustain the many small animals the Equilonians use for sustenance. Most life is centered around the huge plains near the planets equatorial region. Water is plentiful.

Culture:
The Equilonians are a nomadic people. They live in small herds that move across the vast plains following their food sources. They live in temporary huts made from thatching long grasses. Each "herd" is lead by a matriarch on whose council the herd depends. Small herds peacefully coexist and gather annually for the "Great Dividing" where young males are mated with females from other herds. This ensures genetic diversity and strong offspring.

Color Harmony and Repetition

1. Develop several simple 3x3 inch designs. The designs must be asymmetrical and have areas to place at least 3 different colors.  Your design should touch the edges of the square on at least two sides. Many people choose to create an image out of their initials.
2. Using a T-square and triangle, divide a piece of white oak tag into 16 3x3" squares.
3. Trace your design on a piece of tracing paper. Trace the same image on the back and use it as carbon paper to transfer your design on each of the 16 squares. Rotate or position each group of 4 squares to create different and unusual patterns. Use the four examples below.

Paint each group of four squares in a different color harmony.

• complimentary
• split-complimentary
• analogous
• triadic

Carry one color throughout the whole project.

Intensity Chart

Intensity is the brightness or dullness of a color (hue). We can't make a color brighter, but we can make it duller by adding it's compliment. If we add together equal amounts of complimentary colors we produce a neutral.

Making the Chart

1. Using your T-square, square up a 12x18" piece of white drawing paper. 
2. Find the center of a 12x18" piece of white drawing paper by drawing lines from opposing corners.
3. From the center measure up one inch and make a mark. Then measure down an inch and make a mark.
4. Draw horizontal lines at these marks. (using the t-square)
5. Measure out one inch to the left and right of the center mark. Draw a vertical line at these two lines. Vertical lines are drawn by resting the triangle on the t-square. Your first 1x2" box will now be centered on the paper.
6. Mark out and draw five boxes to the right and left.

Painting the Chart

1. Pick two complimentary colors. (ie. violet and yellow)
2. Paint the original color at each end of the chart.
3. Mix equal amounts of each color to get the "middle" neutral color.
4. Create 4 small piles of each color. Add small amount of the opposite color to create each intensity change. By mixing them simultaneously, you will be able to easily compare the changing intensity.

• Please mix small quantities of paint. Remember, you only need to fill a 1x2" area. 
• Mix the paint thoroughly!
• Paint neatly, presentation is part of your grade.

Value Homework

During the last project we were involved with creating different values by adding white or black to a color.

Practice your ability to create values by making  a value chart in pencil. Start by ruling our a rectangle that is 10 inches long and 2 inches wide. Divide the rectangle into 10 smaller rectangles. Each one should be 1x2" in size.

Using your pencil, shade in 10 different value gradations. Start as black as possible and slowly get lighter. Use the example above for reference.