Unit 3: The Odyssey Illustration Project

Theme:Value & Shading through Storytelling

Due Date:In-class presentations – Wednesday, December 3rd

Assignment Overview 

This month, we are combining our study of Value & Shading with our ongoing exploration of composition and narrative art.

Each student will create an original illustration inspired by a specific scene from The Odyssey by Homer. You will interpret your assigned scene in your own unique artistic style – realistic, stylized, abstract, classical, etc – using the medium of your choice. The goal is to visually capture the drama, emotion, and atmosphere of your moment in the story through careful attention to light, shadow, and contrast.

Project Requirements 

• Your illustration must be completed in your sketchbook (this is required). 
• Use the entire page to create a strong composition. 
• You may work in color or black and white. 
• Incorporate value and shading to create depth, dimension, and emotion. 
• You are encouraged to use any school-provided supplies or bring your own preferred materials (ink, graphite, colored pencil, watercolor, etc.). 
• Copying existing artworks is not permitted. However, you may draw inspiration from styles, poses, or palettes seen in the Pinterest board provided below.

In-Class Studio Time 

We will use our class sessions throughout November to complete this project. During studio time, we will also enjoy excerpts from the Broadway-style musical adaptation of The Odyssey – exploring how music and theatre interpret the same epic story through a different artistic medium.

Presentation & Evaluation 

On Wednesday, December 3rd, you will present your finished piece to the class and share a brief reflection on: 

• What scene you illustrated and why you chose it 
• How you used composition and shading to tell the story visually 
• Any stylistic inspiration or influences 

Your work will be evaluated on: 

• Effort & craftsmanship 
• Understanding and application of value and shading 
• Creative interpretation of your chosen scene 
• Composition and overall design

SCENES:

• Katy: The Cattle of the Sun God – The crew disobeys Odysseus and kills Helios's sacred cattle.
• Sophie: The Cyclops (Polyphemus) – Odysseus blinds the Cyclops with a burning stake.
• Jonnie: Aeolus and the Bag of Winds – Aeolus gifts Odysseus a bag of winds, which his crew foolishly opens.
• Kiana: The Sirens' Song – Odysseus is tied to the mast so he can safely hear the Sirens.
• Mikko: Scylla and Charybdis – Odysseus sails between the six-headed monster and the whirlpool.
• Claire: The Underworld – Odysseus speaks to the ghost of Tiresias and his mother.
• Abbie: Circe's Island – Circe turns Odysseus's men into pigs.

*If you don't know much about your scene, just do some research! Get to know your characters and backstories to add an understanding of your scene- it will help you in creating your illustration!

-----

High School Art Project Rubric (12 Points Total)

1. Craftsmanship & Technique (0–3 pts)

3 – Artwork shows strong technical skill, clean execution, and attention to detail; materials handled with care.

2 – Mostly neat and well-executed with minor flaws; acceptable control of materials.

1 – Noticeable rushed areas, messiness, or weak technique; inconsistent handling of materials.

0 – Minimal effort; significant issues with craftsmanship.

2. Accuracy to the Assignment (0–3 pts)

3 – Fully meets the project requirements and reflects the historical/cultural elements of the unit (e.g., Greek motifs, accurate portrait proportions, mosaic principles).

2 – Meets most requirements with a few missing or underdeveloped elements.

1 – Only partially meets the assignment; key elements missing or incomplete.

0 – Does not meet assignment expectations.

3. Creativity & Visual Problem-Solving (0–3 pts)

3 – Strong originality; thoughtful design choices; creative interpretation within classical constraints.

2 – Some creative decision-making is evident; mostly conventional but still thoughtful.

1 – Limited creativity; follows examples too closely without personal choices.

0 – No creative input shown.

4. Effort, Focus & Completion (0–3 pts)

3 – Consistently focused during class; uses time wisely; project fully completed with evident effort.

2 – Mostly focused; project completed but lacks polish or consistent effort.

1 – Frequently distracted; incomplete work or low effort.

0 – Off-task; project unfinished.