COMD Class 2 | Figure Ground & Design Process

September 2, 2015

Materials needed for THIS CLASS (see Supply List for details):

** 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.

Lecture

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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Organic shape: is one that resembles the flowing contours of an organism.
  5. Geometric shape:  such as circles, triangles or squares often have precise, uniform measurements.

The Principles: basic assumptions that guide the design practice.

  1. Frame: This boundary (rectangle, square, circle) is represented by the edges of the paper or the margins drawn within.
  2. Figure (positive space): The shape of a form that serves as a subject in a composition.
    Craig Stephens | Matisse
  3. 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
  4. Figure/Ground: The relationship between positive and negative space.
    MC Escher | GDBasics
  5. Obvious (stable) Figure/Ground:  A figure/ground relationship that exists when a form stands clearly apart from its background.
  6. Reversal Figure/Ground: A figure/ground relationship that occurs when positive and negative elements are equal and alternate.
  7. Ambiguous Figure/Ground: A figure/ground relationship that challenges the viewer to find a point of focus. The figure and ground seem unclear.
  8. 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.
  9. Economy: Using only the elements necessary to communicate an idea, emotion, or formal concept. Less is more.

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

Lab1 : Project 1

  1. Introduction
  2. Demonstration

Lab2 : OpenLab Introduction

  1. Create an account and/or sign in.
    NOTE: You need be able to access your City Tech email before signing up for OpenLab. Check this page for instructions for City Tech email access or contact HelpDesk (718-260-5610).
  2. Join our First Year Learning Community Course: Ways of Seeing
  3. Post the writing and any thumbnail sketches completed in class. Follow the Design Process Guidelines.

** If you missed this class, please make an appointment to visit the Professor during office hours (Monday 2-4pm).

Homework

  1. Complete Design Process Blog posts for Project #1: Phase 1: Discover 
  2. Refine 4 of your sketches (2 stable, 2 ambiguous).
  3. Review Project #1: Define > Inked Sketches and come prepared to ink in class.
  4. Materials Needed for NEXT CLASS (check Supply List):
    • NEW ITEM: Faber-Castell Pitt Big Brush Pen
    • Sketchbook
    • pad of Bristol board (9×12″ Bristol 2-ply smooth plate finish)
    • inking pens (.02, .05, and brush – Pigma Micron or similar)
    • ruler/t-square/triangle
    • 2H-4H pencils
    • drafting or removable tape
    • roll of tracing paper (18+” wide)
    • portfolio

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