DES 121

Fall 2019

WEEK 4 Shape

Objectives
• Define a theme and form a composition that articulates that idea
• Explore figure/ground [positive/negative] ambiguity
• Explore compositional possibilities using a variety of shapes
• Apply the principles of unity and variety, emphasis
• Consider how visual weight is distributed {balance]
• Grow in your ability to verbally articulate visual ideas
• Develop design thinking through iterative processes and
divergent thinking
• Deliberate practice - Measuring, drawing in graphite, gluing

Assignment 9 Positive and Negative Shapes

Part 1 • Develop an iterative process. Here’s one method you could

• Select an image by Hokusai
• Analyze the use positive and negative shapes within the
composition.
• Orient your page vertically (portrait), spiral on the left, and
faintly divide it in half with a horizontal line, 2H pencil.
• Carefully cut out, and glue one of the black and white images
of Hokusai, centered in the top half.
• On the bottom half, draw the composition, but reduce it to
only positive and negative shapes in black and white.
Selectively simplify details such as texture, pattern, or lines
unrelated to edges. Determine the essential aspects of the
composition as you draw.
• Photocopy your drawing. Write, and make notations in your
sketchbook. Notice the variety of shapes, how figure / ground
relationships are established, and space is created. Look for
figure/ground [positive/negative] ambiguity.
Part 2
• Cut out the black and white shapes that comprise your
analysis [the photocopy of your drawing].
• Define your theme, which could simply be to emphasize a
certain variety of shape.
• Selectively rearranged, combine, duplicate, and/or otherwise
manipulate them to create a new 7” x 4.5” composition that
describes your theme and employs figure/ground
[positive/negative] ambiguity. It may be oriented horizontally or
vertically.
try: Make photocopies of your analysis, cut out the positive /
negative shapes, and quickly rearrange them into new
compositions, documenting them with a phone as you go.
Document at least twenty iterations in your large sketchbook
and describe why you selected or didn’t select something - Is
your theme communicated? Where is there figure/ground
ambiguity? What could you improve upon to reach the final
composition? Does your theme need to change? Why?
• Select the best composition incorporating figure/ground
ambiguity and that describes your theme from among your
iterations. First, glue it down in your large sketchbook. Then,
on a separate sheet, draw it in 4B pencil, 7” x 4.5”.
• Make selective adaptations and improvements at each stage
of development.
Homework
Due for beginning of class on Tuesday
Complete Assignment 9
Read from Design Basics:
• “Chapter 12: Value”
• Take notes in your sketchbook