Principles of 2d design/ Repitition and Alternation/ weird song

In previous blogs I generally discussed the elements of 2d design. The elements are what you arrange and include:
Line, Direction, shape, size, texture, value, color, media, technique, simplicity/complexity unity.
In the last blog I discussed what I learned in Drawing 1 about the basics of drawing.
In this blog I am going to go through some of the principles of design.

. OK so instructors, you know you put on all that crazy music right. Here's a weird one for you. http://geekpop.podbean.com/2010/03/12/a-glorious-dawn-cosmos-remix-symphony-of-science/
go down and press play on " Listen Now" or right click on the link below and choose open in a different window and it will play it while you read.

http://geekpop.podbean.com/wp-content/plugins/podpress/podpress_backend.php?podPressPlayerAutoPlay=yes&standalone=yes&action=showplayer&pbid=0&b=45470&id=1004032&filename=http://geekpop.podbean.com/mf/play/i4448/CarlSaganGloriousDawnCosmosRemix.mp3


The first two principles are similar . They are REPETITION and ALTERNATION.  If you have had any music theory at all you have learned these principles. Repetition is the absolute repetition of the Rhythm . It's the constant down beat of the bass tone. In art it is the rhythm of repetition of the subject, shape, color or texture. Repetition is also alternation repeated. Picture repetition like this ////////////////////////
Alternation is the periods of tones and silence. It is what makes you want to move to the music. It is the bass, snares, and cymbals together. Alternation includes the subject, shape, color or texture, with spaces in between included.Alternation : / //  Repetition : / // / // / //

abstraction
" reflective waterfall"  acrylic on Canvas paper
by Kimberlie Grady
notice the repetition of the steps and the alternation of the colors

2 dimensional design, size/ Value/ Color/Texture

Size is the fourth element in 2d design. In a general sense, if placed side by side and the smaller object does not overlap the larger object, a larger subject will appear to move forward in the picture, and the smaller object will appear to recede. There are several other elements that can reverse this illusion.

The first is value and color. The discord of color are the complimentary colors on the color wheel. ( white/black, Red/green, Blue/Orange, Yellow/ Purple, and all the in between shapes)They are found opposite each other on the color wheel. It also refers to the Value and hue of the color.In general, and yes there are exceptions, warm colors( Red, orange, and yellow) move forward while cool colors (  green blue, and purple recede).  Some of the exceptions to this theory deal with the  hue of the color. For example if two greens are placed next to each other and one green has been slightly greyed out or dulled by the addition of the complimentary color, it will appear to recede. The greater the value the more forward an object will appear to move. If the smaller object is brighter than the larger object, it will appear to move forward in the composition.
 The second is Texture. The discord in Texture refers to smooth and rough textures. Impasto ( thick paint) vs blended. If the smaller object has more texture in it, than it will appear to be in front of the larger object.

Partial Picture " Sea Turtle Cove"
Oil on Canvass by Kimberlie Grady
Grey scale
Notice how the larger turtle appears to be in front of the smaller turtle
In addition to size, notice how the texture of the Larger turtle  helps to strengthen this point

Partial Picture " Sea Turtle Cove"

Oil on Canvass by Kimberlie Grady

Notice how the brighter color of the larger turtle places it in front of the greyed out smaller turtle

Partial Picture " Sea Turtle Cove"
Oil on Canvass by Kimberlie Grady
Notice how the rocks in the foreground have more texture than the background
The blending out of the background produces distance called Atmospheric ( or in this case water) perspective. Objects in the distance become less defined( less texture and color)
Notice also how things in the distance are higher on the painting and closer objects are lower.

 

All of the 7 elements, Line, direction, shape, size, texture, value, and color work together to make a well balanced composition. when creating a composition, consider carefully how each element plays against the others. Plan your compositions before beginning by changing each element. A photo copy machine works well ( or if you are going green a scanner/camera and computer) in experimenting with your composition. This preperation will also make your task more efficent by preserving time and materials ( and frusteration), and it will be more enjoyable.

Have fun!

The art student

All information is subject to change by advisement of my instructors.

2d design, element 2 : Direction

Two dimensional design class is more about composition than the subject, or accuracy. When I took it, I was taught that there were 7 elements and 8 principles of design.




The main phrase in this lesson is DISCORD: The highest degree of contrast that can be obtained. ( white/black, large/small, rough smooth)
 
The second element is Direction:
The two Main discords in Direction are Vertical and horizontal.  ( there are other directions  such as diagonal). Direction pulls the eye through the picture.
 

VERTICAL: Gives the impression of strength and power.
Figure 1: partial picture, ink wash on water color paper ( drawing 2, " ancient tree"by Kimberlie Grady ). notice how the tree rises up giving the feeling of aged power.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

HORIZONTAL: Gives the impression of peace, tranquility, and restfulness.

Figure2: Partial View " ancient tree" by Kimberlie Grady. Notice how the picture changed from powerful in the vertical view to tranquil in the horizontal view.

 
 
 

 
(DIAGONAL: imply action/movement)
Figure 3 and 4: Partial picture, " hummingbirds at dawn" oil on canvass, grey tones, by Kimberlie Grady. Notice how the hummingbird appears to be moving because of it's diagonal direction. The diagonal lines of the leaves also give movement to the dewdrops.

(LINEAR LINES : pull the eye through the painting) In this picture the diagonal lines of the leaves also produce linear lines directing your eyes to the hummingbird.















I hope that this basic explanation of direction helps.
All information subject to change by suggestion of instructors.
The art student.