LESSON 12: CENTRE LINE DESIGNS STRUCTURE 12.0 OBJECTIVES 12.1 INTRODUCTION 12.2 DEFINITION 12.3 CHARACTERISTICS OF CENTRE LINE DESIGNS 12.4 ASSIGNMENTS 12.4.1 CLASS ASSIGNMENTS 12.4.2 HOME ASSIGNMENTS
12.5 SUMMING UP 12.6 POSSIBLE ANSWERS TO SELF-CHECK QUESTIONS 12.7 TERMINAL QUESTIONS 12.7 REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED FURTHER READING 12.9 GLOSSARY
12. CENTRE LINE DESIGNS In the first lesson of this unit (Lesson 10), we were introduced to the different types of designs. In the second lesson, we learnt are some of the important elements of traditional designs of our country. In this lesson, we will see how the mirrored or centre line designs are made.
12.0 Objectives After going through this lesson you will •
Acquire an understanding of how to make Mirrored or Centre line patterns.
12.1 Introduction The technique of making Mirrored or Centre line design patterns is very useful in replicating a motif or border to prepare attractive designs. Designs can rise vertically, horizontally, in a vine or jaal pattern or radiate out from the centre or a single unit. These can be mirrored and used to form an entire pattern and the present lesson will deal with the requisite technique.
12.2 Definition When a single design portion is repeatedly mirrored on the central axis so as to create a design motif, then such kind of designs are called mirrored or centre line designs.
12.3 Characteristics of Centre Line Designs In these designs all lines begin and end at the centre line. This can be obtained by putting a carbon sheet below the paper so that when the design is drawn both sides of the paper get the same design. Another way is to use transparent paper such as tracing or gateway paper to make working with such designs easier. One can also photocopy the unit and trace it on the axis as required by placing it beneath transparent paper. The mirroring of designs can happen for half a unit vertically or horizontally. It can also happen for a quarter unit i.e. one in each quadrant or even smaller units. In traditional Indian arts and textiles these kinds of designs are widely used. 1
Self-check Questions 1. Define the centre line design.
12.4 Assignments 12.4.1 Class assignments i) Draw 10 centre lines designs on quarter imperial cartridge sheets and enlarge one of the designs on full imperial cartridge sheet and colour it in poster paint with 2-3 colours. ii) Repeat and draw out one of the above designs in a border repeat pattern 3’’x12’’. Paint the design in 2-3 colours. 12.4.2 Home assignments i) Collect existing designs from magazines and papers where centre line designs have been used in either print, embroidery or woven surface.
12.5 Summing Up •
When a single design portion is repeatedly mirrored on the central axis and creates a design motif, these kinds of designs are called mirrored or centre line designs.
•
In these designs all lines begin and end at the centre line.
•
The mirroring of designs can happen for half a unit vertically or horizontally, quarter units i.e. one in each quadrant or even smaller units.
•
The working for these designs can be made easier by the use of carbon paper or transparent paper such as tracing or gateway sheets.
•
In traditional Indian arts and textiles these kinds of designs are widely used.
12.6 Possible Answers to Self-check Questions 1. When a single design portion is repeatedly mirrored on the central axis so as to create a design motif, then such kinds of designs are called mirrored or centre line designs.
2
12.7 Terminal Questions 1. In textiles, where can we use Centre Line Designs?
12.8 References and Suggested Further Reading 1. Anonymous. 2006. The Complete Guide to Drawing and Painting. Quantum Publishing Ltd., London. 2. Betala, R. 2005. Design Comprehension and Visualization. Ane Books, New Delhi. 3. Gillow, J. and Barnard, N. 1991. Traditional Indian Textiles. Thames and Hudson. London. 4. Mode, H. and Chandra, S. 1985. Indian Folk Art. Alpine Fine Arts Collection Ltd., New York. 5. Yates, M. 1986. Textiles: A Handbook for Designers. W.W. Norton & Company, New York.
12.9 Glossary 1. Radiate:
Spread out from a central point
2. Axis:
An imaginary line around which an object rotates
3
4
5