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 and find examples of your concept.
  • Present definition and at least 2 examples of the principle 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. Work in class.
    • Rework Inked Thumbnails.
    • Individual meetings with Professor.

Homework

  1. Rework Inked Thumbnails, based on critique. Complete Assignment #1: Inked Thumbnails.
  2. If you haven’t successfully created an account on the OpenLab. ASK FOR HELP! You will have until next class to do so and then points will be ducted from your final grade.
  3. Post a reply to the new discussion topic on our OpenLab Course: Assignment #1: Skill & Craft
  4. Materials needed next class: 14×17″ Bristol, black paper, scissors, exacto knife, glue, ruler/t-square, pencils, tape, creative process book (always)
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