2D Breadth Assignments #9

Through the Looking Glass

Areas of focus: repetition rhythm, variety, unity, and balance

Goal: To use experimental and unpredictable mark making techniques and tools in the art making process. After creating a non-objective piece of art, to then transform the negative spaces within it by drawing portraits, pictures, or patterns within them.

Dipped in Ink String Art Process Videos:

Process:

1. Create your own unique experimental paint brush. There are many "right" answers on how to approach this. You may use cotton yarn, feathers, natural fibers etc.

2. Use your experimental brush and India ink to create a random line pattern on your picture plane. Remember your minimum artwork size is 8"x10" and the maximum is 18"x14". Try not to over analyze your line pattern too much but make sure to cover your picture plane. Consider having areas that have more or less line activity for emphasis and interest. Repeat this process on several pieces of paper. These are your back up experiments in case you need to start over.

3. Allow your ink to dry.

4. Spend some time looking at the line designs created in your original painting. Look at them much like you would looking for shapes in clouds. What do you see? What shapes or designs come forward to you? What can you accent to allow others to see these designs as well?

5. Work back into your painting with various other media. Watercolor is a great starting point. You should begin to have a more refined direction to abstract painting as you progress forward. Your goal is to pull out and highlight the various images you see within the abstract designs. You may decide to work on top of the watercolor with black or white pen and ink as well. You may experiment with adding in various other media if necessary but be careful not to overdo it. Take your design where you see it going, but do so with purpose and intention. Do not allow it to begin to look slopping or have lazy thinking and planning.