DISTAL CUES: Composing with the Ideal Solids

Graham Metcalfe

Last night we discussed the Distal Cues and their application for creating depth within a composition (see tab above for more info). Students then made drawings on hand-toned paper employing both additive and reductive drawing techniques. The objective was to pay particular attention to the negative space trying to engage with two to three edges of the paper. Notice in Graham's drawing above that he has engaged all four edges (shadows count). In addition, the objects are very well proportioned and fill the page making the negative areas between the objects relevant and more active in the overall balance and design.