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Project 2

Project 2 | Dynamic Compositions

Project Objectives

Introduce the Components of Art: Subject Matter, Content, Form.

Introduce Form/Design: Elements and Principles.

Promote visual understanding of the different Degrees of Representation.

Introduce the Element of the Design Line.

Promote visual understanding of the Principle of Organization: Unity.

Promote visual understanding of the Principle of Organization: Emphasis & Focal Point.

Project Description

In this project, you will explore ways to abstract from Subject Matter and focus on Form by working with the Element of Design, Line, and its characteristics and the Principle of Organization, Emphasis, and focal point. You will use a viewfinder to help you find and organize visual elements to create dynamic compositions.

Required Materials

Magazines 8" x 10" piece of cardboard HB Mechanical Pencil Sketchbook 9" x 12" Drawing Paper 14” x 17” Bristol Board PITT Pen Set (Black) Graphite Pencil in Different Blackness Eraser Ruler Xacto Knife Cutting Mat Scissors Rubber Cement

Step-by-step Directions

Step 1: Create a 3” x 4” cardboard viewfinder. Use a pencil and a metal ruler to draw diagonal lines across the cardboard. This will define the center of the cardboard and allow you to draw vertical and horizontal lines across the center. Measure and mark 2" from the center on each side of the vertical line. Measure and mark 1.5" from the center on each side of the horizontal line. Still using the ruler and pencil, draw a rectangle using the marks you just created. Use the Xacto knife and metal ruler on the cutting mat to cut off the 3” x 4” rectangle you created. See How to Create a Viewfinder.

Step 2: Using your viewfinder over the magazine pages, find at least 24 interesting compositions. These should all be non-representational; there should be no identifiable objects within the frame. Outline each composition with pencil, and then cut out each one with scissors.

Step 3: Choose the eight (8) strongest compositions. In your sketchbook, use a pencil to draw one thumbnail sketch for each of these compositions. Each sketch should be on its page and in a 3” x 4” rectangle (use your viewfinder to trace this rectangle quickly). To the left of your drawing, glue the corresponding magazine composition. In a new page, glue the magazine compositions that you did not use. You can glue them one next to the other.

Step 4: Choose ONE of the strongest compositions from 8 sketches. Re-create this composition on a 9” x 12” drawing paper. Use graphite pencils to sketch the dominant shapes of the composition lightly. Then, use the PITT pens to complete the composition by drawing over some lines. Only use lines; do not shade in areas or use color. You are looking for the main lines and shapes that create the composition. Use the various pen nib sizes (S, F, M, B) to make line thickness variations. Your drawing should take up the ENTIRE page, reaching the edges.

Step 5: Mount your final drawing on a 14” x 17” Bristol board using rubber cement glue.Before gluing, create guidelines with pencil to ensure the drawing is centered on the Bristol board.

Project Considerations

Is the composition non-representational?
Is there a primary focal point?
Has a Visual Flow been established?
Is the overall composition dynamic, yet unified and harmonious?
Does it utilize repetition of line and shape?

Are any shapes or negative spaces not activated within your composition?

CRAFTSMANSHIP is extremely important for your designs and is part of the grading criteria. Do not fold, bend, crease, smudge, or tear your artwork! Always take great care when creating each design and then put directly into your portfolio case.

What is Craftsmanship? Care in construction and finishing; demonstration of skill and knowledge of processes; attention to detail. The quality of design and work shown in something that is made by hand.

Project Delivery

Created Viewfinder
Presented twenty-four (24) magazine cut-offs of interesting compositions.
Presented twenty-two (24) magazine cut offs compositions pasted to sketchbook.
Created thumbnail sketches of the 8 best compositions.
Pick two the best of of the 8. Presented sketchbook with best two thumbnail sketches and their original magazine cut off compositions.
Created final drawing of best composition.
Presented final drawing mounted on Bristol board.

Grading Criteria

This project is worth 3 points.

Craftsmanship & Materials: The final design has been executed professionally. The designated materials are intentionally utilized with care, effort, and attention to detail—cut, pasted, and properly mounted to Bristol Board. A 3” x 4” Viewfinder was created and used. The required paper sizes and pens were used.

Elements of Design: The design is abstracted from the subject matter through the use of exciting line characteristics, especially directional lines, positive x negative space.

Composition & Principles of Organization: the composition utilizes the whole picture plane, contain a clear primary focal point and adhere to the rule of thirds. The design is asymmetrical and establishes an intentional understanding of unity (Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, Proximity), utilizes emphasis and focal point through the usage of contrast, convergence, isolation, placement and the unusual.