LESSON 6
CREATION OF NEW DESIGNS
STRUCTURE 6.0
OBJECTIVES
6.1
INTRODUCTION
6.2
FORM OF A ROSE
6.3
ASSIGNMENTS 6.3.1 6.3.2
CLASS ASSIGNMENTS HOME ASSIGNMENTS
6.4
SUMMING UP
6.5
POSSIBLE ANSWERS TO SELF-CHECK QUESTIONS
6.6
TERMINAL QUESTIONS
6.7
REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED FURTHER READING
6.8
GLOSSARY
1
6. CREATION OF NEW DESIGNS As soon as we are asked to make a design, what is the very first idea that comes in our mind? And definitely the answer is a flower, isn’t it? So the flowers had always been the foremost source of inspiration behind the creation of most of the designs for ages. This lesson will give you a brief account of flowers as a source of creating beautiful designs.
6.0
Objectives This lesson will draw your attention towards flowers, so that you will be
able: •
To further the understanding of flower form, particularly a multi-layered flower.
•
To enable you to understand a different approach to drawing a complex form.
6.1
Introduction
In the previous lesson you have learnt about drawing of flowers, first, in an outline contour form, and then in detail and shading. This lesson will provide a deeper understanding of the skill of drawing flowers. With the insight, you can try and add it to your learning and enhancing the skill of Drawing. You would see that each person in your class draws the same thing differently. Your own skill must develop naturally as you observe and as your pencil draws the representation. The emphasis at this point is to hone your observational skills and make your hand easier in drawing. It is only with practice that you will get increasingly better and more competent in drawing and then be able to draw first from memory and then even creatively.
Fig. 6.1 Daisy, with singular blooming layer petals
Fig. 6.2 Rose, with multiple overlapping layers of petals
Drawing, as mentioned earlier, is but an expression for a creative thought, wherefrom emerges a “Design”. Let us get on with once again observing and drawing the flowers. 2
Fig. 6.3 Petals of Rose buds
Fig. 6.4 Petals of Rose in full bloom
When you look at the flowers, you would notice that while some flowers have singular blooming layer of petals like a Daisy (Fig. 6.1) others, like Rose, possess multiple, overlapping layers of petals (Fig. 6.2). The number and pattern of the petals on flowers are part of the character of the flower. The petals may have been tight as in buds (Fig. 6.3), in half or in full bloom of the flower (Fig. 6.4).
6.2
Form of Rose
You must have noticed when studying the flowers that the eye is drawn to the centre of the flower. In a heavily whorled flower like rose it is tempting to start the drawing from the centre. However, as there are a lot of small and overlapped petals in the centre, it can be tricky, and the drawing resulting in a misshapen bloom instead. From the angle of view start drawing from the outside of the flower and first get the overall proportions and outline curves of outer petals right. Look at the petals of the flower. They will be of different sizes, some petals would be curving out at edges (like folded out), and some would be overlapped. • •
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Draw the petals that form the outline contour of the flower. Gradually work in, following the line of each petal as it goes. You will note that roses generally have several whorls of five petals each surrounded by the outer whorl. The petals are offset so that the outside petals don't line up with the adjacent row inside and so on and so forth. Draw the edges of the petals quite firmly, lifting off for a lighter line where the middle of a petal moves away from you. You may trail off the line by lifting the pencil and commencing a new line where an overlapping petal begins. You should now begin to understand the basic structure of the rose as seen from front. Try varying your line weight, using hard, medium and light pressure. Use dark, stronger lines and hatched shading in the darker areas, and very light, loose lines on the brighter areas of the flower. Note that you don't have to outline every petal. You can just suggest the tips with a curve, or use short strokes to suggest the direction of the petals The use of line weight by applying light and heavy pressure will depict the 3 dimensional aspect of the form of the petals as well as light and shadow. A precise drawing of stamens at the centre is not desirable. Imagine having to be so precise for such minute details over such small areas, that 3
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you get sidetracked into tiny representations rather than getting the feel and character of the flower. Drawings of flowers work well when drawn smoothly and cleanly. In fact the effort should not be to draw or outline the petals precisely with linework done in a more relaxed fashion, but with understanding of light and shadow, the form and character of the flower must come through.
Self-check Questions 1.
What are two ways of drawing a Flower?
2.
How do you draw the contour outline of a subject when the surface seems to recede or move away from you?
3.
What does a dark line (drawn with heavier pressure) depict in a drawing?
4.
What does a light line (drawn with less than normal pressure) depict in a drawing?
6.3
Assignments
6.3.1 Class assignments i)
In this assignment, we will take our subject as the flowers along with their stem and leaves. Study 3 different kinds of flowers with stem and leave from two angles each in pencil black and white and colour. This study should be done in composition form.
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This time preferably take a whorled flower as your subject. It could be any flower that you feel is interesting and you are comfortable with. Your study should reflect the understanding of a 3 dimensional subject with details of light and shade. The important point of observation and representation is the interarrangement of the flower to its stem and leaves. If you look at it from different angles you will become aware of a different composition with each angle, different patterns of overlap between the elements, and the play of light and shade.
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6.3.2 Home assignments i) Sketch flowers and leaves as you see in a group with sketch pen in line drawing and make at least twenty different types. •
As with your class assignment, draw flowers, stem and leaves in a bunch as you see them.
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6.4
Remember there isn’t any scope for redrawing with a pen. So your linework should be fluid and like a quick sketch. Your sketching should by now be easier and with confidence. Of course you may not get the flower drawing right at the first go and may need to draw again and again to drawing the flower as near right as you can. Your drawing in several attempts may just give you the practice, before it comes out okay.
Summing Up
To sum up the lesson we can say that learning to draw a flower can be the first step towards the creation of beautiful designs. So this lesson has focused on the peculiar shapes colours and textures of flowers and tries to impart a designer’s way of looking at the flowers. This is because the rose flower has got the most peculiar petal arrangement and varying shades, the form of Roes flower has specially been stressed.
6.5
Possible Answers to Self-check Questions
1.
The flower may drawn by either starting to draw it from its center or then adding the petals. The other way is to start the drawing by drawing the outermost petals and getting their shape right and then adding the inner petals.
2.
The contour line of the surface that moves away in view is drawn by gradually making it lighter and sometimes trailing it off without a definite end point by lifting the pencil off.
3.
A dark line drawn in a drawing depicts an area of shadow.
4.
A Contour line or an area drawn with light line depicts the area is lit by light falling on it.
6.6
Terminal Questions
1.
Why are the designs based on flowers most fascinated all over the world? Discuss.
2.
Which flower you like the most? Explain its form and structure in your own words.
6.7
References and Suggested Further Reading
1. Anonymous. 2006. The Complete Guide to Drawing and Painting. Quantum Publishing Ltd, London. 5
2. Locher, J.L. 1992. Escher: The Complete Graphic Work. Thames & Hudson Ltd., New York.
6.8
Glossary
1.
Hone
Perfect
2.
Bloom
Blossom
3.
Bud
A partially opened flower
4.
Misshapen
So badly formed or out of shape as to be ugly
5.
Whorl
A round shape formed by a series of concentric circles
6