May 2012
54 posts
1 tag
Exaggerated Scale
An exaggerated scale is used to capture our attention. It is created when objects in a design are drawn out of proportion.
Niki De Saint Phalle. Black Venus
An exaggerated scale is demonstrated in Phalle’s Black Venus, through the design of a un-proportioned body frame illustrated through the contrast of the small head with the rest of the body.
1 tag
Internal Proportions
Internal proportions is when we consider the size and scale of elements within a design and compare the scale of the objects to that of other artwork.
Katy Wyman. At Different Scales. 2012
The three examples include the same elements, but in each design the scale of the items are different, thus creating different proportional relationships between the elements.
1 tag
Internal References
Internal references can be used to capture a viewer’s attention through an artwork’s actual size. The scale within a work of art provides meaning left to a viewer’s interpretation.
Howard Hodgkin. Menswear. 1980-1985
The brush strokes created on the surface of the frame identify a scale: the size of the tool that made them and the length or reach of the artist’s arm.
1 tag
Hieratic Scaling
Hieratic Scaling is a visual scale related to importance.The size of figures in a design was based on their symbolic importance. Therefore, the larger a figure was meant that it was most important compared to that of smaller scaled figures being present.
April 2012
28 posts
1 tag
Human Scale Reference
To consider the scale of an artwork, think about -its size in relation to other art, in relation to its surroundings, or in relation to human size.
Steward Johnson
2 tags
Emphasizing Whole Over Parts
Holism is the idea that properties should be viewed as wholes, not as a collection of parts. This includes the view that a system functions as a whole and it cannot be completely understood solely in terms of it’s component. A definite emphasis on a particular object in an artwork is not necessary, an artist may choose to focus on the entire surface of a composition over individual...
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Emphasis by Placement
This one is simple: placing something at the center of a composition creates emphasis.
Selected by Mike Guppy
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Emphasis by Isolation
A useful technique to create emphasis is by using isolation.
by Ben Giles
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Emphasis By Contrast
The more complicated the pattern in a work of art is, the more the focal point is necessary to help organize the design.
Peanut Butter & Jelly by David Schwen
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Attracting Attention.
through emphasis.
This is observed in Henri Matisse’s Bathers with a Turtle.1908.
The focal point/emphasis is on the turtle.
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Figurative vs. Abstract
Using a mixed media approach, Sean Luhring creates both figurative (the lady) and abstract (the background) images in this painting.
Chaos vs. Control
this is an example of chaos:
“jkdfljaskdlf jksldjfklas.”
this is an example of control:
“Hello my name is katy.”
Chaos and control are used in art to create a visual of calamity or calmness.
2 tags
Emphasis on Variety
Life is not always orderly or rational. To express this aspect of life, artists choose to underplay components of their work and let the elements appear at least superficially uncontrolled and free from of any formal design restraints.
Variety can be created through: form, size, color and gesture.
A virst impression of George Herms’ The Librarian.1960. might be of chaotic materials...
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Emphasis on Unity
Unity through repetition. Variety is present, but subtle in an understated way.
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Unity with Variety
Varied repetition: Variety adds visual interest.
In this video, the use of unity with variety is displayed with the collection of individuals wearing either purple, red, green or yellow.
Another example of varied repetition is Andy Warhol’s Le Grand Monde d’Andy Warhol.
2 tags
Continuity and the Grid
Continuation is the planned arrangement of various forms so that their edges are lined up, like a grid. An aid often used in design is a grid.
For example: Paul Klee’s painting New Harmony. 1936.
An underlying feeling of a checkerboard is again the basic space division, and the arrangement of colors sets up a predictable rhythm of light and dark patches.
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Proximity/Repetition/Continuation.
An easy way to create unity is to make separate elements looks as if they belong together through proximity.
A device for achieving visual unity is repetition.
A third way to achieve unity is by continuation. With this, the viewer’s eye is carried smoothly from one element to the next.
This beautiful Stella McCartney ad is a perfect representation of unity.
The model and flowers...
2 tags
Gestalt
(German: Gestalt – “essence or shape of an entity’s complete form”).
The Gestalt of Figure/Ground Relationships
Configuration with Emergent Features
Which one of these pictures is easier to remember?
the one on the left is seen as a whole room
the one on the right is split into its part
Six Principles of Gestalt Perception.
Principle 1 - Proximity
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