Observing Positive and Negative Space

"Good composition is like a suspension bridge; each line adds strength and takes none away... Making lines run into each other is not composition. There must be motive for the connection. Get the art of controlling the observer – that is composition." -Robert Henri

Task: While carefully observing and recording their organic subject matter (plants), Art Students are asked to select the areas they feel create the most compelling composition using the + and - space of the plant to create balance, rhythm and emphasis through out their page.

Art Students will...
1. Carefully trace the negative spaces on plexi with a dry erase marker.
2. Select the most dynamic compositions on the plexi using the principals.
3. Create alternative thumbnail sketches of compositions in their sketchbooks.
4. Select and perfect their strongest compositions.
5. Enlarge their strongest composition of + and - space.
6. Observe and include details within their contour.
7. Apply water color techniques over the entire surface of the paper.
8. Create a graphic painting through the contrast of value in the + or -space.

Current +/- Space Art Paintings
From period 1

Painting by Kelsey Simpson

Painting by Kelly Corrado

Painting by Tyler Coughler

Painting by Alex Arbetelli

Painting by Dan Rozansky

Painting by Christine Gadja

Painting by Melissa Gillott

Painting by Hugo Sanchez

Painting by Taylor Palma

Painting by Justin Manning

Paintings from period 4

 

 Painting by Catherine Garguilo

 

Painting by Brian Masten

Painting by Mary Galgano

 "Plant life" by Ashley Appel

 Painting by Alex Repper

Painting by Evan Earley

Painting by Casey Wood

Painting by Krista Barbieri

Painting by Aroona Hussain

Painting by Corey Heller

Paintings from 8th Period

Painting by Louie Condulci

Painting by Julianna Hobbs

Painting by Julianna Hobbs

Painting by Ryan Gandalfi

Paintings by Regina Bell

 Painting by Lydia Gallant

Painting by Thomas George

Painting by Marisa Loscale

Painting by Danielle Garifo

Painting by Samantha Moskowitz

Painting by Kristen Starke

Painting by Anthony Janotti

Painting by Laura Spahn

Painting by Gabrielle Perez

Intro to the Principles of Design: Abstract Collage

What are qualities of an excellent Artist?

Whether you value realism, abstracts or something all together new it is without question that the Artists who prosper do so because of their patience, determination, energy and unique vision. 

However, how can someone create their own point of view within limitations?

Graphic Designers and commercial artists deal with this problem every day with restrictions such as subject matter, material even concept imposed upon them!

COMPOSITIONthe arrangement of visual elements (or + and - space) in a 2d or 3d space.

BALANCE is used to give works a sense of stability,  it  focuses on the distribution of visual weight.

Generally speaking their are two different kinds of balanced compositions

SYMMETRY distributes visual weight in a way that is exactly the same on both sides

ASYMMETRY distributes visual weight in a way that is BALANCED but different.

Task: Create SYMMETRICAL cut paper collages of their own design that balance the + and - space

Collage by Joe Asher

Collage by Angela Bombara

Collage by Taylor Palma

Collage by Casey Wood

Collage by Kelly Corrado

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Rhythm:  a visual tempo or beat created through repeating elements...

Creating a sense of rhythm helps to keep an underlying structure and unity to their works.

Task:  Create a Tessellation that:

           -  Equally balances both + and - space.

           - Uses the negative spaces of repeating shapes to create a rhythmic pattern.

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Emphasis:  a focal point; an area that stands out, usually the main idea in a work.

Rule of 1/3's:  Intersections where an image is best suited for a focal point in most 2/d works of art.

Having an emphasis helps lead the viewer in to the more important areas of the painting, keeping the focal point along the rule of 1/3's helps lead the viewers eye to other key supporting elements in the page as opposed to being stuck or exiting in corners.

Task:  Create a collage that:

                - Balances both its + and - space

                - Uses repeating elements to create rhythm, movement and unity.

                - Directs the viewers eye to an emphasis along the rule of 1/3's

Collage by Mike Caruso 

Collage by Nicole Castaldo

 

 Collage by Dan Rozansky

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Below are quality examples of Studio Artists completed,  Triptychs mounted for presentation. 

Each collage uses their own visual language to interpret + and - space while exemplifying the 3 principles of design reviewed in class: Balance, Rhythm and Emphasis

 Click to Enlarge Images

Triptych by Brian Masten

  

Triptych by Lydia Gallant

Triptych by Han Lin

 

Triptych by Julianna Hobbs

Triptych by Kelsey Simpson

Triptych by Melissa Gillott

Triptych by Regina Bell