Project 5: SUBTRACTIVE COLORS: Creative Exploration of the Color Circle

AT 103

Basic Design I

Project 5:  SUBTRACTIVE COLORS

Creative Exploration of the Color Circle 

FALL 2011

Materials: Illustration board, Red, Yellow & Blue Acrylics, brushes

Create a “Subjective” Traditional Color Circle 

in which you will include:

3 primaries (RYB), 

3 Secondary Hues (GOV)

6 Tertiary Hues (YG, YO, RO, BV, RV, BG). 

Unlike the color circle we learned in class this should be a creative exploration.  

Make your individual interpretation of the color wheel/circle. 

Emphasize colors that you are drawn to; create a new shape for your color wheel; make the hues into characters, natural or artificial environments;  objects, allow those characters/events to be a narrative. 

JUST BE CREATIVE while exploring the concept of subtractive colors.

Remember that to understand the relationship between colors in the circle you should keep a circular structure in your design.

MID TERM PROJECT

AT 103

Basic Design I

MID TERM PROJECT

FALL 2011

Assignment:  DESIGN of 1 Charger Bill

Research & Design Process

1)    Concept:

What does currency mean to you? What do we need currency for?

Which visual elements help us to identify currency?

If we are about to design one bill to circulate as currency within UNH, What would you like to communicate through your University Currency?

2)    Research:

The following pages will help you to study different elements in the design of currency.

In the first one, you can look at currency from all over the world, and even different years editions. Take your time to search in several countries and in all continents. Compare visual elements chosen, whose portraits are, or landscape,  regional flora, or fauna of the country is represented in each bill, how the use of line, shapes, texture, values, overlapping, layers, positive and negative space, symmetry and asymmetry, implied space, is used, etc.

Database on World Currency

http://aes.iupui.edu/rwise/notedir/mappage.html

In the second one, you will find very creative and alternative proposal for redesigning the dollar bill.

Dollar Redesign Project

http://richardsmith.posterous.com/

Research on further sources and make notes on your sketchbook. Always remember to make a citation of the source.

3)    Dimensions:  we will be based in the dollar bill size  (2.5 “x 6”) Altering the proportions or dimensions is acceptable if justified by your design’ concept.

4)    Technique: Pencils, markers, ink, acrylic, collage, digital printing…

5)    To consider in your design process:

·       To unify the project, all will begin with the design of a

UNH bill =1 CHARGER.

Due to time limitations, for the exam you will be designing only the front of the bill. However, you are welcome to Design Front and Back of bill. If you do so, it will be considered extra credit.

·       Think about what would like to communicate through your university currency, how would you like to be represented, what would identify UNH? A real or fictional Character? Landmark from campus? Chargers’mascot? landscape? Why?

·       Which format do you think the currency “reads” better? Portrait or landscape? Why?

·       Consider ALL the elements of Design studied so far in the class:               

LINE, SHAPE, TEXTURE & PATTERN, VALUE and how you will be exploring in this design for the best readability of the message you want to bring across in this bill.

·       Research on different possibilities in the use of Positive and Negative Space.

Deadlines 

You have to research and draft ideas and detailed sketches at home to be presented in class. You will complete your project/exam during class.

Section 02: Wednesday Oct 19^th

Sections 03 & 04: Tuesday Oct 18^th

This is a comprehensive exercise that intends to challenge your creative use of the elements of design studied until now.

Evaluation Criteria

Your project will be evaluated based on:

·       Design concept

·       Creativity to translate your concept visually, and in that your use of the elements of design studied: line, shape, texture, value, as well as the positive and negative space.

·       Presentation

Project 4: VALUE & PATTERN

AT 103

Basic Design I

Project 4:  VALUE & PATTERN

Assignment: Composition of Patterns exploring the concept of Value 

Materials: Illustration board, pencil, brushes, acrylic paint

1)      Create 3-5 design/shapes that will be used as the module for your project.  Take some time to think about what your module will be as it will form the basis of what you can form with the pattern.

Think about creating shapes that will interact with itself in a pattern—flat sides, interlocking lines, implied space, contrast between values, etc.

2)      On a piece of Bristol Paper, draw 2”x2” squares and draw your modules into these squares.  The module drawing/design should continue up to all the borders of the squares.(Remember the concept of implied space)

3)      Cut out your Modules. These will act as templates.

4)      On your sketchbook, draw 8x8” grids using 2x2” squares.  You will draw a regular pattern for each module you have cut out. Examine each of the patterns and choose a favorite module. 

You will use this module to create your Final Pattern Project

5)      On provided Illustration board, draw grids that have 2”x2” squares and cover an entire piece of paper with a sequence of your module using: Reflection, Rotation, changes of sizes, etc.

6)      Fill in the Space to create POSITIVE/NEGATIVE space interaction. Think about positive and negative space and how you want to play with these ideas. You will chose a single color and work with black and white acrylic painting for generating different shades and tints of the selected hue. You can also work entirely in black and white for exploring achromatic values.

7)      REMEMBER in this assignment we are exploring the concept of VALUE in addition to line, shape and texture. Your composition MUST be created using at least 6 different values (including Black and White). Remember the more values you use, the more sense of depth/volume you will achieve.

8)      While designing your pattern, consider the different aspects of contrast, volume, space, depth you can explore through different approaches to the use of PATTERN &VALUES.

Project 3: TEXTURE

AT 103 

Basic Design I/ Fall 2011

Project 3: From Physical Texture to Visual Texture

Materials: 

Tracing paper, graphite, pastels, pencil, ink, marker, color pencils, collage.   

Remember to consider the “ground” that you are working on (the paper color/surface) as this will influence what the texture will look like.

1- RUBBING

 On several pieces of paper create a texture through direct transfer rubbing.  That is, tape the piece of paper to a wall, a tree, a gravestone, a piece of wood, a counter top, the floor, a coin,  etc. (something that has a simple and defined actual/tactile texture) and rub it with a crayon or charcoal.  This will transfer the texture from the 3-D surface to your 2-D surface of your paper.

You have just successfully created a simulated/implied texture on your paper.

Once you have done with the rubbing. Make few xerox copies of it using different contrast settings.

2- TRACING & DRAWING

 Now, lay a piece of tracing paper over your rubbing and trace the entire  or texture or fragments that you find interesting onto your tracing paper.  This should be done in pencil.  Do this several times so that you get a feel for drawing the texture and discover the aspects of the texture that you may find useful for the project.

 Finally, try and draw the texture on a new piece of paper. It is not necessarily important to make your drawing “look” real.  I am more interested in seeing you experimenting in order to create a New texture based on your experience from the rubbing and observation of an actual one.

3- TEXTURE STUDIES IN SELF REPRESENTATION

Now that you have a catalogue of textures in hand, you will work now in a new study of  self-representation, in this case exploring the use of textures.

Remember that we are looking here at a personal expression of the Self, rather than a drawing of your face. Think about what kind of textures would represent you better. You may want to create an abstract composition that illustrates the essentials of the texture or you may choose to be more realistic about your own image, or even to create a story/animation character that would represent yourself in a narrative. You may also use texture to design/describe the background/ surroundings that define/ express who you are.

It is important to remember that no matter which approach you take in this self representation, you will always based on the texture research/ visual exploration we were working at in this project

Project 1: SHAPE & SPACE

AT 103

Basic Design I

Fall 2011

Project 2: Shapes & Space

Materials:  
Bristol paper, Black construction paper, black or grey from magazines or newspapers (you can use text as a texture for grays in creating atmospheric perspective, gradations, etc), scissors, x-acto knife, glue.

Shapes and the Illusion of Space

Based on the concept of SHAPES, Positive & Negative, Pictorial & Implied Space,
You will create 3 collage compositions combining open (outlined/negative) shapes and solid (filled/positive) shapes.

A. ABSTRACT COMPOSITIONS

1) Using only circles, create a composition where the circles (or circular forms) interact, overlap and intersect with one another.  In areas where circles come in contact with one another develop a system to fill in those areas so that they become positive spaces. 

2) On a separate piece of paper, repeat the above process using squares or rectangles.

B. SELF- PORTRAIT

 Based on a photograph of yourself, you will develop a high contrast image focusing in the concept of Shape and Space.  Combining circles, ovals, squares, rectangles, triangles, geometric or organic shapes, cut outs or tear off paper, you will create your Self portrait.

While developing your composition, remember we are focusing in the concept of  VISUAL COMMUNICATION. In order to develop a personal understanding of the project as a whole and in particular of how you would develop a creative translation of your own image to present to others:

·       Be aware of how the positive areas (depending how you approach your composition, would be the black or white area) interact with the negative space (white/black paper)

·       Explore the concept of Implied Space in at least one of the 3 compositions.

·       Explore the concept of Figure-Ground reversal in at least one of the 3 compositions.

·       Consider how to approach your composition looks:
Should it look like something recognizable, non-representational or abstract? Would geometric or organic forms would suit better your intended message? Is the composition Static or Dynamic?

Based on these simple guidelines bring your own message across exploring concepts of

·       Shape

·       Positive & Negative Space.

·       Actual and Implied Space

·       Figure-Ground Reversal

Project 1: LINE

AT 103

Basic Design I

FALL 2011

Project 1: Line

Materials:  Black India Ink/ 10 Found Objects (tools)/ Bristol Paper/ Scissors/ Glue

Part 1: Experimentation

Find 8 objects that you can use to make marks with—This can really be anything from a screw driver or coin to a twig, a leaf, a feather, a fork, a toy, a comb, a nail, a piece of recording tape… Be imaginative when picking up your materials. Remember that the resulting lines and consequent expressive aspects of them will depend partly on the materials selected.

Take 2 pieces of paper and divide them into 4 equal parts.  This will give you 8 squares/rectangles.

Experiment making different lines with your found objects in each of the squares. 

Do this by dipping your found object into India ink and then marking on paper.  See what kind of marks you can make. Experiment with a different found object in each square and write down the element used in each case for your reference in the next step of the project.

Part 2:  Personal Alphabet

On a separate piece of paper, and based on your previous experimentation with different materials, use several found objects to design your Personal Alphabet.

You can use direct marks with ink, and /or collage using both cut pieces of ink lines and the objects you have brought. Through your experimentations and possibilities of combinations of materials and techniques, you will be also researching on your line/ marking style.

Think about how the lines and marks (and objects used to create them) will inform the viewer about your representation of symbols and marks.

Ask yourself if your lines look graphic, relaxed, severe, expressive, classic, contemporary? And how they relate to you as a person, and as a visual communicator.

Research on different creative alphabets from artists and designers. Here an interesting link to begin with:

http://www.reubenmiller.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/09/21-unexpected-a.html

Note: Think in advance how you would like to organize your alphabet in terms of scaling letters in relation to each other, and layout in relation to your page.

Semester Calendar Sections 0304

AT 103 Basic Design I/ FALL 2011

Semester Plan:  Section 03: T-TH 9:25-12:15/ Section 04: T-TH 11:25-2:05

Date	Lecture or Assignment Topics
Thursday. Sept. 1st Tuesday Sept. 6th Thursday Sept. 8th Tuesday Sept. 13th Thursday Sept. 15th Tuesday Sept.  20th Thursday Sept. 22nd Tuesday Sept. 27th Thursday Sept. 29th Tuesday October 4th Thursday October 6th Tuesday October 11th Thursday October 13th Tuesday October 18th Thursday October 20th   Tuesday October 25th Thursday October 27th Tuesday Nov. 1st Thursday Nov. 3rd  Tuesday Nov 8th Thursday Nov 10th Tuesday Nov. 15th Thursday Nov. 17th Tuesday Nov. 22nd     Thursday Nov 24th Tuesday  Nov. 29th Thursday December 1st Tuesday December 6th Thursday December 8th  FINAL EXAMS	Introduction: Syllabus, Course contents and projects Reading Assignment :  Introduction + Chapter 1: 2 D Design: LINE Pag 1-10  Slide Lecture and discussion: Design and Visual Awareness Artist Video: William Kentridge Visual elements of 2D Design/ LINE Project 1 Assigned Line Studio Session Reading Assignment: Chapter 1: 2D Design: SHAPE. Pag 10-23 Slide Lecture SHAPE: Positive and Negative Space Artist Video: Kara Walker Project 2 Assigned Shape Studio Session Critique Project 1 &2 Reading Assignment : Chapter 1: 2D Design: TEXTURE. Pag 23-28 Slide Lecture: TEXTURE.  Physical & Visual Artist Video: Vik Muniz Project 3 / Part 1 Assigned Project 3/ Part 1 reviewed. Project 3 / Part 2 Assigned: Studio Session Project 3. Part 2 reviewed Project 3/ Part 3 Assigned Studio Session Reading Assignment : Chapter 1: 2D Design: VALUE Pag. 29-35 TEXTURE Project DUE Slide Lecture: VALUE Artist Video: Vija Celmins Project 4 Assigned TEXTURE Studio Session Project 4 NO CLASS. COLUMBUS DAY TEXTURE Studio Session:  Project 4 Project 3 and Project 4 Critique MID- TERM EXAM Reading Assignment : Chapter 2: THE ELEMENTS OF COLOR. Pag 39-49 Slide Lecture: COLOR THEORY Color Physics: Additive and Subtractive Color Project 5 Assigned COLOR Studio Session Slide Lecture: COLOR INTERACTION Defining Color: HUE. VALUE. SATURATION Project 6 Assigned Studio Session Reading Assignment : Chapter 2: THE ELEMENTS OF COLOR. Pag. 50-63 Lecture: COLOR SCHEMES/ COLOR AS EXPRESSION Project 7 Assigned COLOR Studio Session COLOR Studio Session Critique  COLOR portfolio Reading Assignment : Chapter 3: Principles of 2D Design. Pag. 66-89 Lecture: PRNCIPLES OF DESIGN Unity/Variety/Balance/Scale/Proportion/Rhythm/ Emphasis Project 9 Assigned Thanksgiving/ No Class Studio Session Project 9 Reading Assignment : Chapter 4 Illusion of Space and Motion. Pag 91-107 Lecture: Illusion of Space and Motion/ Story Board FINAL PROJECT ASSIGNED Studio Session. Review of Artists selected and Sketchbooks for Final Project. Studio session Final Project Research Paper deadlines & Individual Presentations Section 03: Thursday Dec. 15 / 8:00 – 10:00 am Section 04: Friday Dec. 16     / 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Semester long projects

A. SKETCHBOOK

Each student will maintain a sketchbook throughout the semester to create thumbnail sketches for each project, collect visual references, as well as to draft ideas and thoughts. 

This sketchbook will be consulted by student and instructor during the design phase of each project.  Sketchbook drawings will be considered for evaluation with each design project. At the end of the semester these documents will be presented along the final projects to discuss and evaluate the process of each student’s journey along the course.

B. HISTORY RESEARCH PROJECT

Research on the life and works of a significant painter, printmaker, drawer, graphic designer, photographer, mixed media or digital artist that you consider apply Elements of Design in his/her work from a very personal and distinctive approach. 

This research project will culminate in a paper and visual presentation to share the research data with the class. Presentations will be scheduled to be delivered as part of final exam during the last classes, depending on enrollment of the course. Research project will be presented as well in the form of a paper as Final Exam and linked to the Story Board Project.

Further details and strategies to follow in the research and application of its outcome on the Final Project will be explained towards the end of the semester. To guide your research, an introductory list of suggested Contemporary artists will be provided so you can begin to look up their works and be familiar with Contemporary Art & Design conceptual and aesthetics approaches.