Exercise #1
"Seeing”
Read over the ELEMENTS and PRINCIPLES of 3D design then take a series of COLOR photographs that represent each of the design elements, NEGATIVE SPACE, LINE, PLANE, MASS/VOLUME, VALUE, TEXTURE, and COLOR. Compose each photograph using the FULL frame of the camera. More than one element will most likely be present in each photo, but try your best to find a way to represent each element distinctly and clearly. You should use the principles of 3D design, HARMONY, CONTRAST, RHYTHM/REPETITION, EMPHASIS, CONTINUITY, BALANCE (Symmetrical and Asymmetrical) and PROPORTION in composing your photograph.
NO cropping! I want you to do your composing "in the field."
I recommend taking many photos then selecting the ones you think best represent each element of design. You will be turning in a total of 7 photos one for each element. Images must be 5” X 7” and be printed in COLOR on 8 ½” x 11” paper. ONE PHOTO PER PAGE. You MUST label EACH photograph on the bottom center with what element it represents and your name. Do your labeling in "Photoshop" MS "Word", Apple's "Pages" etc. printed labels are okay too.
The purpose of this exercise is to help you recognize the elements of design as they appear everywhere in the physical world and through the application of the principles of design begin to manipulate and organize these elements into dynamic and meaningful compositions. Come prepared to explain why each image represents a particular design element.
"Seeing”
Read over the ELEMENTS and PRINCIPLES of 3D design then take a series of COLOR photographs that represent each of the design elements, NEGATIVE SPACE, LINE, PLANE, MASS/VOLUME, VALUE, TEXTURE, and COLOR. Compose each photograph using the FULL frame of the camera. More than one element will most likely be present in each photo, but try your best to find a way to represent each element distinctly and clearly. You should use the principles of 3D design, HARMONY, CONTRAST, RHYTHM/REPETITION, EMPHASIS, CONTINUITY, BALANCE (Symmetrical and Asymmetrical) and PROPORTION in composing your photograph.
NO cropping! I want you to do your composing "in the field."
I recommend taking many photos then selecting the ones you think best represent each element of design. You will be turning in a total of 7 photos one for each element. Images must be 5” X 7” and be printed in COLOR on 8 ½” x 11” paper. ONE PHOTO PER PAGE. You MUST label EACH photograph on the bottom center with what element it represents and your name. Do your labeling in "Photoshop" MS "Word", Apple's "Pages" etc. printed labels are okay too.
The purpose of this exercise is to help you recognize the elements of design as they appear everywhere in the physical world and through the application of the principles of design begin to manipulate and organize these elements into dynamic and meaningful compositions. Come prepared to explain why each image represents a particular design element.
Exercise #2
"Selectivity”
Go for a series of walks paying special attention to the “trash” that you come across. Collect at least 9 items that have been discarded, preferably fragments, though some small “whole” objects might also be acceptable. These should be relatively small, nothing over 12” preferably smaller. Don’t just pick up the first things you come across. Be selective, spend some time. Be thinking about the elements and principles of design. The 9 (or more) items should possess different aesthetic qualities, an interesting shape, range of value, pronounced texture, an eroded or distressed surface or maybe a slick polish, describe mass or volume, have bright or maybe faded colors, an interesting cracked line...you get the idea.
Bring your found objects to class and group or compose them together on a sheet of WHITE paper. The size of this piece of paper is part of your composition so you must take this into consideration. You will probably need something larger than 8.5 X 11. A page torn out of your sketchbook at the last minute is unacceptable. Pay special attention to the negative space around and between your objects. Negative space is of equal importance in art and design as the objects or forms themselves. Be prepared to explain why you chose the objects you did “because they look cool” is a start, but is NOT good enough. What was it about each object that attracted you?
The purpose of this exercise is to help you move from the two dimensions of the picture plane that we explored in “Seeing”, from simply observing the world around you, to physical, tactile, intervention, selection and manipulation.
"Selectivity”
Go for a series of walks paying special attention to the “trash” that you come across. Collect at least 9 items that have been discarded, preferably fragments, though some small “whole” objects might also be acceptable. These should be relatively small, nothing over 12” preferably smaller. Don’t just pick up the first things you come across. Be selective, spend some time. Be thinking about the elements and principles of design. The 9 (or more) items should possess different aesthetic qualities, an interesting shape, range of value, pronounced texture, an eroded or distressed surface or maybe a slick polish, describe mass or volume, have bright or maybe faded colors, an interesting cracked line...you get the idea.
Bring your found objects to class and group or compose them together on a sheet of WHITE paper. The size of this piece of paper is part of your composition so you must take this into consideration. You will probably need something larger than 8.5 X 11. A page torn out of your sketchbook at the last minute is unacceptable. Pay special attention to the negative space around and between your objects. Negative space is of equal importance in art and design as the objects or forms themselves. Be prepared to explain why you chose the objects you did “because they look cool” is a start, but is NOT good enough. What was it about each object that attracted you?
The purpose of this exercise is to help you move from the two dimensions of the picture plane that we explored in “Seeing”, from simply observing the world around you, to physical, tactile, intervention, selection and manipulation.