August 30th, 2018
Materials needed for THIS CLASS (see Supply List for details):
- sketch book (9″x12″ or similar)
- graphite pencils (Venus or similar 6B, 2B, HB, 2H, 4H)
- pencil sharpener (basic metal)
- eraser (magic rub, mars, gum or similar)
- small box or travel container for your supplies (reuse/find)
- 1 roll drafting or removable tape
** Note: if you are unable to afford these items due to financial aid delays, please make arrangements with a classmate to borrow or share supplies.
Discussion
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.
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 | Norman McLaren - 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 | Jacob Lawrence - 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.
The Principles: basic assumptions that guide the design practice.
- Frame: 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) Figure/Ground: A figure/ground relationship that exists when a form stands clearly apart from its background.
John Currin | Rousseau - Ambiguous Figure/Ground: A figure/ground relationship that challenges the viewer to find a point of focus. The figure and ground seem unclear.
Casa Rex | Turner Duckworth (Coco Cola Campaign)
STUDENT EXAMPLES: Can you determine which image demonstrates Obvious and Ambiguous Figure/Ground? And why? Are they all successful or could some be improved? How?
Example 1 | Example 2
Let’s look at some professional design examples from 2017
