Victoria Castaneda Composition + Color Fall 2011 Laguna College of Art + Design Instructor/ Dana Herkelrath TA/ Kate Urschel
Presentimiento - Vanitas Fernando Vicente I chose this image because I love this artist’s illustrations. The content is out of the ordinary but he makes it beautiful and striking.
TABLE OF CONTENTS By order of appearance:
1/ Five Letter Composition 2/ Black Square Problem 3/ Principles of Design 4/ Mood and Meaning 5/ Line Characteristics 6/ Elements 7/ Shape Relationships 8/ Composition Analysis 9/ Atmospheric Perspective 10/ Color Theory 11/Mood and Meaning 12/ Targeted Focal Point 13/ Sequencing Composition
1 5 LETTER COMPOSITION Objective
To use 5 letterforms to create a unique and interesting composition that demonstrates positive/nevative (figure/ground) reversal.
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2 BLACK SQUARE PROBLEM Objective
By using four black squares, create a composition that best expresses the meaning of each of the following six words. Using only four squares in a seemingly limited palette to express such diverse words with scale and arrangement choices.
BLACK SQUARE PROBLEM: By using four black squares, create a composition that best expresses the meaning of each of the following six words. Make eight preliminary sketches for each word in the areas indicated. Then select the most effective solution and execute it in the larger designated area. Using only four squares in a seemingly limited palette to express such diverse words with scale and arrangement choices.
ORDER
INCREASE
BOLD
CONGESTED
TENSION
PLAYFUL
ORDER
CONGESTED
INCREASE
BOLD
TENSION
PLAYFUL
3 PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN Objective
Arrange physical objects to show principles of design and
Movement
photograph the arrangement.
Space
Contrast
Repetition/Rhythm
Simplicity
Symmetrical Balance
Emphasis
Unity
Proportion
Asymmetrical Balance
4 MOOD AND MEANING Objective
Using only black and white circles, ovals, squares, rectangles, and triangles, arrange the shapes to create a visual match to the chosen words. The idea is not to convey the given word literally, but rather through composition and arrangement.
GENTLE
PUNISHMENT
AMUSEMENT
REJECTION
DISTRESS
TURMOIL
4B MOOD AND MEANING (CON’T) Objective
Using only black and white circles, ovals, squares, rectangles, and triangles, arrange the shapes to create a visual match to the chosen words.
FAMILY
GROWTH
NOISY
LONELINESS
SUCCESS
FEAR
5 LINE CHARACTERISTICS Objective This is a study of the way lines can interact within a composition and how multiple lines and characteristics of them can relate to each other and demonstrate design principles. 1. One line. Does not divide the space. (economy) 2. One line. Creates two spaces. (proportion) 3. Two lines. Overlap. Lines share many characteristics. (harmony) 4. Two lines. No overlap. Lines more different than similar. (variety) 5. Three lines. Two may overlap. One line has more visual weight. (emphasis) 6. Four lines. Lines lead eye through composition. (movement) 7. Five lines. All lines share one characteristic. Even visual weight. (balance) 8. Five lines. Each line has different visual weight, but are formed to create asymmetrical balance.
io n or t
op
Pr
Economy
Ha
rm
on y
Variety
Mo vem
en t
sis
a ph
Em
A Balance
S Balance
5B LINE CHARACTERISTICS (CON’T) Objective
This is a study of the way lines can interact within a composition and how multiple lines and characteristics of them can relate to each other and demonstrate design principles
dead / lifeless
improving / renovation
wealthy / extravagant
chaotic / noisy
peaceful / calm
cold / brittle
vintage / retro
melting / flowing
Lyrical / Melodic
stressed / hurried
5C LINE CHARACTERISTICS (Con’t) Objective
For each word, draw lines that best relate to the word. The idea is to suggest the meaning of the word through the qualities of the line, not by illustrating an object.
drunk / doped
precision / accuracy
crazy / psychotic
juicy / moist
rugged / masculine
aged / worn
cute / adorable
spontaneous / energetic noble / sacred
elegant / graceful
6 ELEMENTS Objective
Find objects in your surroundings that emulate the elements of design: color, form, line, shape,
Color
Form
Shape
Texture
Line
Value
7 2-D SHAPE RELATIONSHIPS Objective
Using triangles, squares and circles, create a composition that expresses the given meanings.
Grouping
Overlapping
Tangent
Shared Edge
Alignment
Continuance
Tension
Partitioning
Interweaving
Transparency Illusion
Interlocking
Counterchange
Transitional Shapes
Penetration
Sectioning
Closure
Consistent Spacing
Repetition
Parallel
Gradiation
7B 3-D SHAPE RELATIONSHIPS (CON’T) Objective
With a partner create a 3-D portrayal that expresses 20 elements. We represented these elements using colored duct tape.
Grouping
Overlapping
Tangent
Shared Edge
Alignment
Continuance
Tension
Partitioning
Interweaving
Transparency Illusion
Interlocking
Counterchange
Transitional Shapes
Penetration
Sectioning
Closure
Consistent Spacing
Repetition
Parallel
Gradiation
8 COMPOSITION ANALYSIS Objective
Analyze a variety of compositions by artists and designers. Observe aspects of the compositions, principles guiding the viewer’s eye, and arranging the elements. Indicate the focal point and sub-dominant focal point and use lines to indicate movement in the picture.
1. The composition is balanced symetrically. While V is above Evey, both characters are about the same size. My eye flows from one character to another, not drawn more to one than the other upon first look. 2. The line created by the crowd of people create a foreground for the poster, bringing attention to the title of the movie. The texture used on the poster enhances a sort of old fashioned, propaganda atmostphere. 3. Principles of design at work in this composition are movement and unity. 4. Having seen the film and understanding the mood and plot of it, I would say that the poster is successful in conveying the dark tone of the movie. The style and colors in the poster evoke a sense of propaganda. There are many other posters I’ve seen made for this movie, but this one does a great job of incorporating main characters and aspects of the movie, with out being too busy. 5. Primary principles in arrangement used here are unity, contrast, and emphasis.
1.
2.
1. 2.
2.
1. The composition is balanced because the woman is directly in the middle, with smaller, less prominent items around her. She is the dominant part fo the composition, not the ground or the wall behind her. 2. Although the overall color of the paining is similar, my eye is still drawn to the woman because her skin is highlighted. The texture of the sun figure behind her is also eye-catching with its brighter colors. 3. Principles of design at work in this composition are: Unity, because the woman is engaging with the other objects in the painting. Emphasis, which is placed on teh woman because she is central in the picture and the largest figure. 5. There are elements such as the bird or the tea cup that draw the eye away from the woman, but it is not a premature leave from the woman. 6. There is emphasis on the woman and the sun figure behind her head.
8 CON’T
1. The composition is asymetrically balanced, emphasis being placed on both the hill and the reflection of the green light. 2. The value of the green sky reflected on the water lead my eye to the focal point. 3. There is movement in the curve of the hill which leads the eye upward. There is repetition in the trees reflected on the water. There is contrast between the light and the dark forms of the trees and the hill. 4. The compositional choices take this serene and peaceful setting and if anything, the green light makes it more interesting. 6.Simplicity, contrast.
1. The composition is asymetrically balanced. While there are buildings on both sides of the poster, I feel like many things could be the main focal point. It just depends on the viewer. I find myself looking at the bridge and the figures on it. 2. Texture, Value, Form 3. Balance, Repetition & Rhythm, Space, Unity 5. There is nothing to lead my eye away prematurely. I do think perhaps there might be too many things going on, which makes a focal point difficult to find. 6. Unity
1. The compositioin is symetrically balanced because the mountain peaks take up equal sides of the picture. 2. The form of the clouds behind the mountain peaks provides a great background and contrast to the texture and value of the mountain peaks, which are the main focus. 3. Principles of design at work in this composition are: balance, movement, simplicity, and contrast. 5. There is nothing that takes the viewer’s eye away from the picture prematurely or otherwise. The strong contrast in the mountain and the snow is engaging and striking. 6. Simplicity, contrast.
1. The composition is balanced asymmetrically, because there is more emphasis on the left side of the painting, even though there are more figures in the left side. 2. The form of the head on the right brings the eye to the right first. The texture of the cloudlike shapes draws the eyes down the head and down the neck. 3. Proportion is the most obvious principle of design at work in this piece. There is the repetition of the shape of the heads and the tree in the middle. They each occupy their own space and do not touch one another; not even the shadows. There is a simplicity about this piece because the forms of the heads and the tree are not complex. 5. There are elements such as the bird or the tea cup that draw the eye away from the woman, but it is not a premature leave from the woman. 6. There is emphasis on the woman and the sun figure behind her head.
8 CON’T
1. The composition is balance asymmetrically, because the number of figures on each side is different. 2. The form of the willow trees draw the eye in most because the value of them is darker than the other elements of the painting. 3. There is movement created by the brush strokes, drawing the eye up and down. There is contrast between the willows and the lighter brush and sky. 5. The horizon of the river contrasts with the vertical brush strokes to keep the viewer engaged within the space of the painting, and does not lead the eye away. 6. There is unity between the trees, and again contrast between the willows and the field.
1. The composition is balanced, the figure being more dominant than the ground (water) or the background. 2. The lines of the diagram and the simple color scheme make the diagram the focal point. 3. There is repetition of the arrows in the diagram, there is simplicity in the forms within the diagram and comprising the background, and there is movement and rhythm in the direction of the water. 5. The fish at the bottom corner might be distracting, but it is necessary to have them there so that the viewer knows the blue area is wter. 6. Simplicity, Unity, Space
1. The composition is balanced asymetrically, the focal point being the foreground with the men rather than the rest of the alleyway and the background. 2. The lines of the alley lead the eye up and down; the value of the men in the foreground contrast nicely with the lighter value of the ground. 3. Balance, Contrast, Proportion, Space. The most obvious is proportion, as the men in the foreground appear larger than the men in the background, but are obviously not really that big. 5. The line of the alley contrasts with the horizontal clothing lines which are less obvious in the background, but nothing takes the eye away prematurely. 6. Contrast, Emphasis
1. The composition i s balnced symmetrically. The photo is divided into thirds, with the store front in the first third, the group of people in the middle third, and the man walking and horse & buggy in the last third. 2. Value, Color, Line 3. Balance; movement in the form of the street curb, contrast between the dark figures, the dark road, and the lighter road, and space of the entire composition. 5.I would say because all the figures continue in sort of a horizontal line across the picture, that leads the eye to wanting or expecting more past the sides. 6. Unity, Contrast
9 DEEP SPACE PHOTOMONTAGE Objective
Create a photomontage that employs atmospheric perspective. Three different sources for the imagery includ- ing an element of fine art, must be used to create a foreground, middleground and background. Using your knowledge of these principles, color and design the goal is to give a convincing illusion of deep space.
10 COLOR THEORY Objective
Create four color wheels; analogous, primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. Create color swatches from each color to create a gradient of each color.
Full Spectrum
Primary Colors
Secondary Colors
Tertiary Colors
11 COLOR MOOD AND MEANING: LETTERS Objective
Taking the five letter composition from the first assignment, create three different images utilizing three color schemes, warm, cool, and gray scale. Warm colors give the impression of vividness and energy; cooler colors are more calm and soothing; white, black and gray are considered to be true neutral.
fQwQ
s sg COOL COLORS
WARM COLORS
GREYSCALE
11B COLOR MOOD AND MEANING: IMAGES (CON’T) Objective
Identify images online that portray the meanings of a variety of colors. Consider how the colors are used for marketing and advertising purposes
Black: power, elegance, secrecy.
Blue: peaceful, loyalty, calm
Green: natural, healthy, plentiful.
Orange: vibrant, energetic, playful
Purple: Royalty, wisdom, celebration.
White: pure, clean, youthful.
Red: passion, excitement, energy. Yellow: happy, alert, warm.
11C COLOR MOOD AND MEANING: COLOR STUDIES (CONT’D) Objective
Using your five letter composition or self-portrait, create a new composition utilizing primary, secondary, tertiary and complementary colors and add quotes that you feel are appropriate.
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Q Q
g g s s
“Does anybody remember laughter?” - Robert Plant
PRIMARY COLORS
“Mine's a tale that can't be told, my freedom I hold dear.” - Robert Plant, Ramble On
TERTIARY COLORS
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” -Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!
SECONDARY COLORS
“At that time, I often thought that if I had had to live in the trunk of a dead tree, with nothing to do but look up at the sky flowing overhead, little by little I would have gotten used to it.” - The Stranger, Albert Camus
COMPLEMENTARY COLORS
11D COLOR MOOD AND MEANING: KULER PALATTES (CONT’D) Objective
Using Adobe Kuler create a series of color palettes based on these words: Children, Senior Citizens, Corporations, City of choice, Grocery Store, and Movie Theatre.
CHILDREN
SENIOR CITIZENS
CORPORATIONS
GROCERY STORES
MOVIE THEATERS
LOS ANGELES
SUPER HEROES
12 TARGETED FOCAL POINT Objective
Create one composition by drawing from real life or your mind’s eye or create a collage of found imagery or create an abstract geometric composition.
12B TARGETED FOCAL POINT ANALYSIS Objective
Take your targeted focal point your composition and do an analysis that includes 4 or more of the principals of design. 4 elements of art, with reference to the characteristics of the element.
This composition is balanced asymetrically, with the main focal point of the two boys contrasted with the eyeballs in the middle and foregrounds. Emphasis is placed on the figures in front, followed by the text in front of them. There is movement from the figures and the words to the eyeballs receding into the background. The shapes of the hands and the eyeballs give contrast to the rough textures of the wood and the metal. These textures also create lines that the all the people seem to walk on.
5. 1.
3. 1.
8.
4. 1. Movement 2. Emphasis 3. Proportion 4. Asymetrical Balance 5. Shape 6. Color 7. Line 8. Texture
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5.
2 5. 6. 1. 1.
7. 8.
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13 SEQUENCING COMPOSITION Objective Taking an original composition, the objective is to isolate parts of the imagery via Photoshop to create a story. The story telling occurs when we can see a series of sequential images that we can complete in our minds eye to create a beginning, middle and end.