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:
  • Point, Line, Shape

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.

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

• Online Resource: profspevack.com/designcolor
• Syllabus
• Understanding Your Grade
• Supply List
• Study and Learning Aids

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.