The Parts of the Puzzle

Gayle

Tai

Wednesday and Thursday the class worked on a composition project. The objective was to create a series of images using the same elements (line, curvilinear shape, rectilinear shape) and the same palette. Gayle's collages are bold and striking with large, powerful shapes and rich colors. The shapes move freely from foreground to background by overlapping shapes with the same color on different layers. Her compositions consist of sweeping arcs and rolling circles supported by stable vertical and horizontal structures.
Tai has created a very clean and minimalist series of collages. The images appear locked into place as though there were warning signs identifying an unseen hazard. On the other hand, there is also an air of surveillance and "Big Brother" suggested by the electronic roving eye illustrated by the centralized circles throughout the compositions.

MANADALA

For the past two days the class has been working on Mandala's. Anthony has created a beautiful design of puckered and bloated circles decorated with clear and varied patterns. Ben's drawing illustrates a crab-like form opening from the center supported by claw pincers or moon shapes. Furthermore, he has very skillfully rendered a variety of shapes and values.

LINE AND THE ILLUSION OF DEPTH

Briana

Malia

Last Thursday the class made line drawings using horizontal parallel lines. The objective was to create a 4 to 5 layered space employing the "Distal Cues." Briana's drawing is stabilized with a grid foundation in the background allowing the circular forms to float in space over the top. Malia's drawing exhibits a much tighter space. The edges of the forms are accentuated by drawing attention to the negative space between the shapes. In addition, the space illustrates a strong sense of light.

LINE DYNAMICS

Austyn

Hannah

Joey

Last Wednesday, the class made drawings exploring the characteristics of line. In the top series, the drawings employ line, shape and texture within symmetrical compositions. The composition below is an example of an asymmetrical composition. In addition, take note of how he has employed atmospheric perspective.

Omar

POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE RELATIONSHIPS

For our first project students explored the relationship between the positive and negative areas within a design. The objective was to create a symmetrical composition establishing a single dominant shape in the center of the design supported by medium and small elements while maintaining the integrity of the square. In the designs below, now the variety of sizes and shapes. In addition, all of the designs use linear elements combined with the shapes.

Austyn

Malia

Manuel

In the second collage, students explored asymmetrical compositions. The objective was to address the rule of "One large shape, a few medium shapes and one or more small shapes."

Enrique

Tai