Expansion of the Square

Mary Rolls

Today we discussed Notan; the interaction of light and dark, or positive and negative, with the intent of creating an harmonious and unified composition where one does not dominate the other. Mary's collage is an example of a symmetrical arrangement of triangular shapes. By using only one shape family, Mary has created a very cohesive design. Furthermore, the slightly concave design and strong diagonals bring depth.

Mike Koonce

Mike's collage is an example of asymmetry. Notice how he has used similarity in shape (circles), scale or size change and variety (rectilinear and curvilinear shapes). The circles on the left dominate the composition by size as well as character; circles retain identity better than rectangles and squares because they contrast the format. In addition, the placement of the circles throughout establishes a rhythm that moves the eye.

SHAPE

Mary Roll

Today we began exploring the characteristics of shape. There are two umbrella terms for the different types of shapes, Geometric (man-made shapes governed by the rules of mathematics) and Organic shapes (shapes from nature).  Geometric shapes can be rectilinear and curvilinear with very regular proportions whereas Organic shapes are irregular like bones, rocks and leaves. Biomorphic, or amoebic shapes, fall under the category of organic. After drawing a Shape Inventory in sketchbooks, students made drawings of one of the following families: rectangular, triangular or biomorphic.

The drawing above is an example of the biomorphic family. The irregular, wavey contours are indicative of crustaceans or sea shells. The rippling lines and overlapping forms add depth to the composition whereas the dark spots help in establishing a rhythm and movement.

Parallel Lines Project

Lily King

Class began with a discussion on the Principles of Design. The principles consist of the theories of: unity, similarity, variety, movement, scale, dominance, economy and closure. From there, students made thumbnail sketches containing a limited number of squares, circles, half circles and rectangles. After sketching out the best on large paper, parallel lines were employed to delineate the various shapes from one another and the background. The objective was to work with line/ weight variations.

Lily's drawing above exhibits strong contrasting tonalities developed by the closeness of the lines and varying the value of the line. By changing scale, overlapping shapes and employing cast shadows, Lily has suggested a deep sense of space. The wavering line applied with accenting along its path creates a sense atmospheric texture.

Dana DeLuca

By keeping the shapes relatively close in size and placing larger shapes higher on the picture plane, Dana has created a shallow or limited sense of space. Like Lily's drawing, Dana's exhibits strong contrasting values that bring clarity to the composition. Notice how Dana has balanced the composition by implying a triangle starting at the tilted square in the bottom right moving up to the large, dark circle over to the half circle in the upper right and moving the "eye" back down to the tilted square. Remember that similarity works through shapes as well as values. So you can move from one type of shape to another if they share the same value or color and texture for that matter.

Line Dynamics

Mike Koonce

Class began with a brief discussion on how to create the illusion of depth. Here is a list, albeit limited,  of some possibilities:
1. line weight; dark lines advance while lighter lines recede
2. overlapping lines and shapes; establishes foreground and background
3. location; elements lower on picture plane = closer, higher up = further away
4. diagonals; may suggest one end is closer
5. gradations; dark values recede while light values advance
6. size/ scale change; larger objects appear closer, smaller further away

Keep in mind the most dynamic compositions with the greatest sense of depth have all these strategies working together. It usually takes the pairing of two or three of these to be successful.

Mike has created a very dynamic and varied composition above by employing zig-zagging lines in the foreground complemented by arcing bands in the background. Notice how he has used bold, heavy lines in the foreground gradually thinning as they recede along the edge of the ribbon.

Susan Potter

Susan has also used line weight variations in her drawing. The image is basically a grid which generally speaking adds organization and stability to an image but the bending and curving lines animate the surface, causing it to rise and fall like waves or a hilly terrain.

LINE

4 Lines, 4 Times, John Walters

Class began with a discussion on the art element LINE. Of the five art elements - line, value, shape, color, and texture - line is the most personal because it is so closely related to our writing. The concepts of contour, gesture as well as the characteristics of line were discussed. Lines may be straight, angular, curved and implied. Our first project, Line Inventory, was an investigation in the types of lines possible.

John's drawing above is an example of the second project from this morning. The problem was to make four variations based on the four types of lines established in the first row. The objective is to make the design more dynamic as you move down the column. Note in particular the increased use of implied or broken lines as well as variations in line weight.

Darlene DuCharme, 4 Lines Expanded

For the third project students chose one of the previous drawings and expanded the scale of the image. Darlene has achieved an asymmetrical balance by placing the looping lines closer to the right edge. The change in line weight adds depth by suggesting darker lines advancing while lighter lines receding. The spring-like, jumping lines create a very lively, playful and animated image.

Day 1: Syllabus and Materials

Today we discussed the class syllabus and materials list. For the first week of class we will discuss the art element LINE. At the minimum students will need:
1. sketchbooks
2. graphite pencils
3. white plastic eraser
4. black pens
5. 14 x 17 in. Drawing Pad

Additionally, India ink and brushes for covering larger areas of ink as well as templates for drawing circles.

PORTFLIOS ARE GRADED

I've just finished grading portfolios and I'm pleased to say that the majority of work is very good.  As you continue with Machiko, I would just like to reiterate the importance of doing thumbnails and exploring all potential combinations of the art elements as much as possible. Many of the projects are very simple by design and rely on your imagination and creativity to bring them to life.

The quizes have also been tallied. Most people missed around four questions.  The questions most missed were: # 12. Dark values advance whereas light values recede. (Answer: False) This is true regarding LINE. And #18 Regarding the characteristics of shape: soft, hard-edged, amorphic, and angular (Answer: all of the above). You will be pleased to know that the quiz does not have a negative affect on your grade. Use it as a warning to study harder and/or take better notes. The next may be harder and factor into your grade.

I've enjoyed working with you all and expect the same attention and commitment to be given to Machiko. Thank you and enjoy the rest of your summer.