COMPOSITION: The Distal Cues

Dylan

Jennifer

Ryan

Last night the class made drawings employing the Distal Cues (more info on that in the tab above). The objective for these drawings was to create a composition addressing the Distal Cues and touching 3 to 4 edges of the paper. Notice in Dylan's drawing the absence of pure white and black. Working primarily with a midtone value range creates a very unified and calming, somewhat somber atmosphere.
In contrast to Dylan's, Jennifer's drawing is very dynamic with a full range of values and energized and active mark-making accentuating the volume of the forms and suggesting turbulence in the background.
Ryan has very effectively used value for dramatic effect. The objects appear as if they are about to be pushed forward by an incoming dark mass. The dynamics of the values is increased by using extreme contrasts of white and black juxtaposed against each other. The forward thrust is enhanced by the tilt of the cube.

DISTAL CUES

David Covarrubias

Last Thursday the class made drawings of the Ideal Solids with an imaginary, three-dimensional space. The directions were to use all five forms, addressing the light and to engage with 2 - 3 edges of the composition. In addition, students were to use at least five of the six Distal Cues (see tab above). The drawing above shows the objects cropped on three edges. Furthermore the objects overlap, are placed in diagonal relationships and are proportionate to one another. The top of the cube in the background is slightly tilted forward. Remember as an object approaches the "eye level" the top plane will become more parallel to it. In other words, the top will not show as much.

IDEAL SOLIDS AND DISTAL QUES

Katy Brown

On Friday morning students made studies of the five Ideal Solids addressing the categories of light. Notice how the smooth rendering and strong contrasting values in Katy's drawing above creates a strong sense of volume but also suggests a metal-like surface on the forms.

Angelica Cortez

In the afternoon, students made compositions with the solids employing the Distal Ques. Click the tab above if you missed the lecture notes.  Angelica's drawing illustrates a fairly deep sense of space moving straight back from sphere to sphere and crossing with an implied diagonal of cylinders. The broad, wavy strokes add a turbulent quality like a sand storm. Although she could balance the darks of the cone and sphere in the foreground more on the right side of the composition, the tonal range and gradations are very complete and well drawn.

DISTAL QUES

Patty Camara

Last night students made landscape compositions using the Ideal Solids and employing Distal Ques. The DQ's are six tools for creating the illusion of depth within an image. See the tab above for a complete description.
Patty has skillfully employed the DQ's while also creating volumetric forms and a strong sense of light. Her drawing seems to be taking place under a moon lit sky while the diminishing proportions effectively creates a deep sense of space.

THURS. 2/2 IDEAL SOLIDS: Creating Spatial Depth

Nemea Laessig

Thursday night began with a slide lecture on "distal ques"; see previous post for more info. Nemea's drawing above exhibits a moderately deep sense of space with a bottom left to upper right movement (cube to cone). It's as if the objects are lined up in diagonal rows. Note how the repetition of forms pulls the "eye" around the composition: remember the "eye" is looking for similarity in form, shape, value and texture. Regarding texture notice that the ground appears to be a different material than the objects.  In addition, all the objects illustrate a strong sense of the "categories of light."

WED. 2/1 IDEAL SOLIDS: Creating Spatial Depth

Dayana Leon

Wednesday night began with a discussion on Distal Ques; a series of strategies for creating depth within the field. The list contains 1. Atmospheric Perspective: objects in the foreground exhibit sharp, crisp edges and details, vibrant, rich colors and values all of which diminish as the objects recede into the background. 2. Proportion and Scale: objects become smaller as they recede towards the horizon line. 3. Location: objects lower on the picture plane appear to be closer where objects higher up appear to be farther away. 4. Overlap and Diagonals: when one form is behind another foreground and background have been established; diagonals suggest depth due to "location", point A is lower, point B is higher. 5. Value: dark values recede; light values advance.

TUES. 9/6 Composing Ideal Solids

Demo Drawing

Class began with a discussion on Composition followed by another drawing involving the Ideal Solids.  The objective of this drawing is to place the forms within a deep space while addressing the categories of light. Students are to utilize atmospheric perspective, overlapping forms, scale change, diagonals and use of values to suggest a sense of depth. Students will have a bit more time in tomorrow's class before moving on to the discussion addressing Proportions.