Category Archives: Lecture

Class 8 | Rhythmic Elevations

Lab

  1. Critique of Staccato / Legato Pattern Mashup.
  2. Introduction to Assignment #2 | Rhythmic Elevations
  3. Work in class.

Homework

  1. Complete or rework all parts of  Assignment #2. See Assignment page for details.
  2. Be prepared to turn in your assignment for grading and critique. Make sure it is neatly wrapped in tracing paper and labeled with your full name, project name, and course and section number.

Class 7 | Pattern Mashups

Lecture

  • Review Elements and Principles
  • Explore this project: Seaquence

Lab

  1. Critique of Staccato / Legato Patterns. Work on inked pattern mashup.
  2. Introduction to Assignment #2 | Rhythmic Elevations
  3. Work in class.

Homework

  1. Complete parts 1 & 2 of  Assignment #2. See Assignment page for details.
  2. Materials Needed: 14″x17″ Bristol, ruler/t-square, pencils, inking pens, knife/scissors, cutting mat, collage materials, or any materials of your choice.

Class 6 | Line, Rhythm & Pattern

Lecture

  • Review Elements and Principles from last class
  • Discuss examples of Repetition in web design from Design Meltdown
  • Examine different types of Pattern design from Artlandia and examples in class.

Lab

Assignment #2 | Aural Topographies

  1. Critique of  Line Networks : Monotony and Variety
    • Use vocabulary: Rhythm, Variety, Pattern, Repetition and Unity.
    • What works, what doesn’t work?
  2. Pattern Exercise: Staccato / Legato Patterns
  3. Work in class.

Homework (UPDATE)

  1. Complete Writing Exercise & Monotony and Variety Line Networks. See Assignment #2 page for details.
  2. Work more on your Staccato / Legato Patterns. See Assignment #2 page for details. We will complete these in the next class. Come prepared to work.
  3. Materials Needed: 9″x12″ Bristol, ruler/t-square, pencils, inking pens, knife/scissors, cutting mat, collage materials or any materials of your choice.

Class 5 | Line & Rhythm

Critique (1 hour)

  1. Setup your work somewhere in the classroom (spread out)
  2. Present the following:
    • Creative Process Book
    • Inked Thumbnails
    • Cut-Paper Compositions
  3. Review Project Guidelines: Assignment #1 | A View from My Window | Figure-Ground Relationships
  4. Based on the project guidelines, anonymously choose 3 students that have successfully completed the project.
  5. Discuss the finished work in terms of concept, craft, what was learned, and the creative process:
    • your name
    • what you are presenting (title and design problem)
    • which parts are successful and why
    • which parts are unsuccessful and why
    • what you learned from this exercise

Lecture (30 Min)

The Elements: basic components used as part of any composition, independent of the medium.

  1. Line: An series of points, which has length and direction. It can be the connection between two points, the space between shapes, or the path of a moving point. A closed line creates a shape.

The Principles: basic assumptions that guide the design practice.

  1. Rhythm: Is a repeated pattern, such as what we hear in music. In different art forms, it can be a very complex interrelationship or a regular, steady beat.
    1. Repetition: Repeating a sequence; occurring more than a few times. In design, repetition can create visual consistency and a sense of unity.
    2. Pattern: Unbroken repetition, the repeating of an line, object or symbol.
    3. Variety: Visual rhythm is often punctuated with variations or changes in color, texture, or form. Creating variety is easy. Too much variety can lead to chaos and confusion for the viewer. A designer must effectively use pace and spacing to create rhythm and achieve unity in a composition.
    4. Monotony: Without variety or change, excessive repetition can lead to boredom and uninteresting compositions.

References:

Lab (1 Hour)

  1. Introduction to Assignment #2 | Aural Topographies : Visualizing Music
  2. Materials needed:
    • Creative Process Book, pencils (wide range from 4h to 4B), inking pens (range from thick to thin).
    • Your favorite piece of music on CD or flash drive.
  3. Work in class.

Homework

  1. Complete the first experiments for Assignment #2 : Line Networks : Monotony and Variety
  2. Materials needed next class: 9×12″ Bristol, ruler/t-square, pencils, inking pens, tape. — check website for extra supplies.

Class 4 | Lab

Assignment Review (1o min)

  1. Take a moment to read through the Assignment #1 project guidelines.
  2. Reform your groups from last class and discuss the project goal and requirements.
  3. Make sure you are all in agreement.
  4. Send 1 ambassador from your group to another group to explain the project guidelines.

Demo/Lab

  1. Demonstration: Large, cut paper compositions
    • Materials Needed: 1 sheet 14×17″ Bristol, black paper, scissors, exacto knife, cutting mat, glue, ruler/t-square, pencils, tape.
  2. In-Class Work: Complete Assignment #1: Cut Paper Compositions
  3. Individual meetings with Professor.

Homework

  1. In your Creative Process Book, at the end of the View from My Window section, document your “Thoughtful Assessment” and “Work Tally”.
  2. ALL ASSIGNMENT #1 WORK IS DUE: Bring all parts of Assignment #1 to class for critique. Check project guidelines for details.
  3. Materials needed next class:
    • Creative Process Book, pencils (wide range from 4h to 4B), inking pens (range from thick to thin).
    • Your favorite piece of music on CD or flash drive.

Class 3 | More Figure Ground

Review

The Elements: basic components used as part of any composition, independent of the medium.

  • Point: An element that has position (x,y), but no extension or mass. A series of points forms a line, a mass of points becomes a shape.
  • Line: An series of points, which has length and direction. It can be the connection between two points, the space between shapes, or the path of a moving point. A closed line creates a shape.
  • Shape: Created by line (contour) or a grouping of points, it is an area that is separate from other areas, defined by its perimeter.
    • Organic shape is one that resembles the flowing contours of an organism.
    • Geometric shapes,  such as circles, triangles or squares often have precise, uniform measurements.

The Principles: basic assumptions that guide the design practice.

  • Picture Plane: The imaginary plane represented by the physical surface of a two-dimensional image, comparable to the glass through which one sees a view beyond a window. Artists use relative position on the picture plane to create the illusion of space, such as foreground, middleground, background.
  • Picture Frame: The outermost limits of the picture plane. This boundary (rectangle, square, circle) is represented by the edges of the paper or the margins drawn within.
  • Figure (positive space): The shape of a form that serves as a subject in a composition.
  • Ground (negative space): The space surrounding a positive shape or form; sometimes referred to as ground, empty space, field, or void.
  • Figure/Ground: The relationship between positive and negative space.
    • Obvious (stable):  A figure/ground relationship that exists when a form stands clearly apart from its background.
    • Reversal: A figure/ground relationship that occurs when positive and negative elements are equal and alternate foreground and background dominance.
    • Ambiguous: A figure/ground relationship that challenges the viewer to find a point of focus. The figure and ground seem interchangeable.
  • Unity: Refers to the cohesive quality that makes a composition feel complete and finished. Unity gives it the feeling that all the elements relate to each other in a compatible way to form a unified whole.
  • Economy: Using only the elements necessary to communicate an idea, emotion, or formal concept. Less is more.

Groupwork

Students break into groups:

  1. Picture Plane/Picture Frame Group
  2. Figure-Ground Group
  3. Unity/Economy Group

Research and discuss your group’s concept. Use the following guidelines and outcomes.

  • Designate 1 speaker and 1 idea recorder
  • Make a free-flowing list of ideas related to your concept.
  • Refine concept definition in your group’s own words.
  • Present definition and at least 2 examples of the principle or element discussed (student work assignment, drawing on chalkboard, book, magazine or online images)
  • Students present results to class.

Lab

Assignment #1 | A View from My Window | Figure-Ground Relationships

  1. Critique of Inked Thumbnails (using vocabulary above)
  2. Demonstration: Assignment #1: Cut Paper Compositions
    • Materials Needed: 1 sheet 14×17″ Bristol, black paper, scissors, exacto knife, glue, ruler/t-square, pencils, tape.
  3. Work in class.
  • Rework Inked Thumbnails, if necessary.
  • Start Cut Paper Compositions (Students either did not finish or needed to rework Inked Thumbnails)
  • Individual meetings with Professor.

Homework

  1. Rework Inked Thumbnails, based on critique.
  2. Complete Assignment #1: Inked Thumbnails Cut Paper Compositions + Assessment and Workhour Tally. See Assignment page for details.
  3. Materials needed next class: 14×17″ Bristol, black paper, scissors, exacto knife, glue, ruler/t-square, pencils, tape.
    creative process book, pencils (wide range from 4h to 4B), inking pens, your favorite song or piece of music on CD or flash drive.

Class 2 | Figure Ground

Lecture

The Elements: basic components used as part of any composition, independent of the medium.

  • Point: An element that has position (x,y), but no extension or mass. A series of points forms a line, a mass of points becomes a shape.
    Malevich Black Dot| Seurat La Parade detail | Seurat La Parade du Cirque
  • Line: An series of points, which has length and direction. It can be the connection between two points, the space between shapes, or the path of a moving point. A closed line creates a shape.
    Mondrian | Klee
  • Shape: Created by line (contour) or a grouping of points, it is an area that is separate from other areas, defined by its perimeter.
    Popova    | Gris | Gris
    • Organic shape: is one that resembles the flowing contours of an organism.
    • Geometric shape:  such as circles, triangles or squares often have precise, uniform measurements.
  • REFERENCES:

The Principles: basic assumptions that guide the design practice.

  • Picture Plane: The imaginary plane represented by the physical surface of a two-dimensional image, comparable to the glass through which one sees a view beyond a window. Artists use relative position on the picture plane to create the illusion of space, such as foreground, middleground, background.
    Diagram | In-Depth & Decorative | Vermeer
  • Picture Frame: The outermost limits of the picture plane. This boundary (rectangle, square, circle) is represented by the edges of the paper or the margins drawn within.
  • Figure (positive space): The shape of a form that serves as a subject in a composition.
    Craig Stephens | Matisse
  • Ground (negative space): The space surrounding a positive shape or form; sometimes referred to as ground, empty space, field, or void.
    Matisse | Rubin’s vase
  • Figure/Ground: The relationship between positive and negative space.
    MC Escher | GDBasics
    • Obvious (stable):  A figure/ground relationship that exists when a form stands clearly apart from its background.
    • Reversal: A figure/ground relationship that occurs when positive and negative elements are equal and alternate at foreground and background.
    • Ambiguous: A figure/ground relationship that challenges the viewer to find a point of focus. The figure and ground seem interchangeable.
  • Unity: Refers to the cohesive quality that makes a composition feel complete and finished. Unity gives it the feeling that all the elements relate to each other in a compatible way to form a unified whole.
  • Economy: Using only the elements necessary to communicate an idea, emotion, or formal concept. Less is more.

Lab

  1. Critique of thumbnails (using vocabulary above).
  2. Assignment #1 : Introduction and Demonstration for Inked Thumbnails.
    Materials needed for THIS CLASS: Creative Process Book (always), 9×12″ Bristol, pencils, inking pens, ruler/T-square, triangle, tape.
  3. Inked Thumbnails: Work in class.

Homework

  1. Complete Assignment #1: Inked Thumbnails. See Assignment page for details.
  2. Materials Needed for NEXT CLASS: Creative Process Book (always), 14×17″ Bristol, black paper, scissors, exacto knife, glue, ruler/t-square, pencils, tape.

Class 1 | The Beginning

Course Overview

What is Design?
To design is to plan or arrange elements in order to communicate a thought, feeling, or concept. Design can also be described as the organization of information.  This information can be visual, aural, informational, or tactile.

The products of design are compositions — arrangements of elements. We will focus primarily on the arrangement of visual elements in this course, but we will also consider how all our senses affect how we interact with and understand the world.

Why Learn Design?
A good designer, independent of the medium (data, sound, pixels, paint, wood) has a significant advantage in the world, because s/he can influence what people see/feel/do.

How do you become a good designer?
First you must learn the fundamental tenets or guidelines. Fundamental does not mean simple. When building a sturdy house, you need a strong foundation. When learning a new language, you need to master grammar. It’s not rocket science, but it takes patience, attention to detail, and dedication to the craft.

What are the Fundamentals?
All the basic tenets of DESIGN can be grouped into three categories and this is what we will study in this course.

  1. The Practice: Concept + Form are ingredients that an artist uses to produce a work of art. The relationship between the Concept (an idea) and the Form (the process/result) produces the Content (the meaning).
  2. The Principles: basic assumptions or truths that guide the design practice.
  3. The Elements: basic components used as part of any composition, independent of the medium.

Review of Course Documents

Introductions

Verbal presentations are an integral part of this course.  To get started, we will go around the room and introduce ourselves (2 min. each). Please follow the guidelines below:

  1. Clearly state your full name.
  2. Explain your life goal or philosophy (no, really– seriously).
  3. Describe what you see out your window at home.

Shopping Trip

Refer to the Supply List and get the highlighted items before next class.

Walk together to:
W.C. Art & Drafting Supply Co.
351 Jay Street

Homework

SEND EMAIL:

Visit the class website: profspevack.com/designcolor. Click on the Contact link and type the following into the Message box:

  • Name
  • Preferred Email
  • Last 4 digits of your SS#

ASSIGNMENT #1 Prep:

In your Creative Process Book (your new sketch book) complete the following in pencil:

  1. Research /  Inspiration (DUE Class 2)
    Writing
    • Choose a spot in your apartment and let the window ‘frame’ the view from that spot.
    • On the 3rd page of your Creative Process Book write ‘A View From My Window’ and compose a minimum 2-paragraph description of the view. Focus on describing the shapes you see and their relationship to each other. Ignore everything except what you see inside the boundaries of the window frame.
  2. Experimentation / Iteration (DUE Class 2)
    Thumbnail Sketches
    • On the following page(s) of your Creative Process Book make at least 12 thumbnails (small, quick drawings) of the view in pencil.
    • Try to “see” in terms of shapes, rather than lines.
    • Draw whatever you see. Draw quickly, without thinking or worrying about the quality of the drawing. JUST DRAW!

Bring your book to class next week and every class from now on.