LANDSCAPE LAYERS

Assignment Instructions:

Review the Soil Horizons handout you received and the elements of art and principles of design
from a previous lesson.
Referencing John Clerks etching (pictured below) from James Huttons Theory of the Earth,
create a drawing depicting a cross-section of the earth using the guidelines below.
o Include the six soil horizon layers in your drawing (Humus, Topsoil, Leaching Layer,
Subsoil, Regolith, and Bedrock). Each layer has its own characteristics, and feel free to
reference your science textbook for more detailed information.
o The uppermost layer, the Humus, will be shown as a landscape drawing at the top.
Include things such as trees, fences, buildings, cars, etc. to create interest and
demonstrate proportion.
o Make evident the use of art elements and design principles in your composition, such as
line to emphasize layers, texture from cross-hatching or stippling, or rhythm with
repeated shapes.
o You will be drawing on 12 x 18 white paper. Use a pencil to create your drawing, and
feel free to use your sketchbook for any pre-drawing.
o After your pencil drawing is complete, trace over your soil horizon layer lines in black
permanent marker. Use colored pencils to add color and value to your drawing.
You will be submitting your finished drawing along with a completed self-evaluation.

John Clerk of Elder, Volume I Plate III, Image from Quebrada de las Conchas
Theory of the Earth by John Hutton, 1795. Natural Reserve in Salta, Argentina.
LANDSCAPE LAYERS RUBRIC

Criteria Unsatisfactory Basic Proficient Accomplished

Art Elements Student shows no Student completed Student showed an Student planned
(Color, Shape, evidence of artwork with at awareness of carefully, made
Form, Line, Space, planning and least three composition and pre-drawings,
Texture, Value) artwork lacks elements/ used at least four chose careful color
effective use art principles used elements/ scheme and used
Design Principles elements and effectively, but principles five or more
(Rhythm, Balance, design principles. shows little effectively. elements/
Emphasis, evidence principles
Contrast, composition was exceptionally.
Proportion, Variety, planned.
Harmony,
Movement)

Soil Horizons Layers are missing Six layers and Six layers and Student included
(Humus, Topsoil, or drawing lacks landscape are landscape are all six layers with
Leaching Layer, upper landscape present but present with basic exceptional
Subsoil, Regolith, features. drawing lacks detail and attention to correct
Bedrock) details and could understanding of color value with a
be improved with soil horizons is detailed landscape
little effort. evident. on top.

Craftsmanship/ Student shows Student shows Student shows Artwork is

Skill poor craftsmanship adequate above average outstanding and
or lack of craftsmanship and craftsmanship and displays excellent
understanding. understanding but understanding with use of technique
could be more neat use of and application.
precise. technique and
application.

Effort/ Student shows Student completed Student completed Student

Perseverance poor effort, does artwork but lacks artwork in an demonstrated an
not use class time finishing touches or above average effort far beyond
adequately or can be improved manner, but more requirements for
artwork not with little effort. could be done. assignment.
completed.