Patterns

Patterns can be found everywhere. I looked at patterns from wallpaper in American homes to tiles in Islamic mosques. The use of patterns is not something new or unique to one culture. Patterns can be found anywhere.
I first looked at wallpaper designs and found such a variety of patterns. Wallpapers traditionally use repetition as a main design focus. From the many varieties i found in wallpaper alone I think its safe to say that anything can be incorporated into a pattern. I found patterns andrepetition in quilting and flooring. Tiling has a tradition of patterns. Tiles can be seen in European palaces to Mosques in the near east. Many Islamic tiles utilize geometric shapes and forms. Islam made a great use of pattern in their art because depiction of life was restricted. Patterns have always been a constant when it comes to design.

Gestalt

image source: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Multistability.svg)

Gestalt:
a structure, configuration, or pattern of physical, biological, or psychological phenomena so integrated as to constitute a functional unit with properties not derivable by summation of its parts.
(Merriam Webster http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary)


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Shades of Gray: Value Scale and Drawing

Three hours. That is how long it took me to finish drawing a value scale. I don't remember value scales taking me that long in the past, but apparently thats how long one takes. It was challenging to get each segment of the scale correct and the right value. I found myself erasing and going back over the same area more than once. Each time, it was either too dark or too light. At one point I think all of the value segments were all the same. It took effort, but I think that I was able to find the correct values.
The drawing was easier than the value scale itself. The first thing I decided on was the shape. And then I decided to use all the values on the value scale. I tried to arrange the values so that they would balance each other out. I chose the shapes I did to have movement through the drawing.

Value Composition

Lines, Strings, and Things

I enjoyed the string project because it was chance to do something that was active. The process of making the web was just as enjoyable as the end product. In the beginning I wrapped the string around whatever i saw without any thought or plan. Then, as i progressed I started to make more specific choices about where i placed string groupings and patterns. My goal was to make something that encompassed a large area of space. I also began to weave my string in order to give it a more web-like appearance. I was surprised at the end mass of string that resulted from everyone's contributions. If I were to do it again I would try to make it less random and more orderly.

Line and Shape

Which of the images a, c, b, d are lines?
Images a, b, c, and d are all lines.
Which of the images a, c, b, d, are shapes?
Images a, b, c, and d are all shapes.
What makes a line?
A line is a mark that connects to points together. A line can be continuous and unending.
What makes a shape?
A shape is made of connecting lines that make up a closed, contained object.

art analyzation #1

This piece is composed of ornate shapes and figures. The background is a dark navy blue color. In the upper left corner is a patch of gray in the background. In the center of the work lies a black wheel shape with thin, web-like circles in the middle. In front of the central wheel shape are two columns of ornamental forms. The left one is composed of black round shapes that branch out. The right column has round circular shapes that resemble ribbon, lace and flowers. Further to the right of the column are two more wheel shapes similar to the center one, but slightly smaller and with blue borders. The Circles are connected to each other by a single thin, curving blue line.
Interpretation:
This piece has order and balance because the forms and shapes are organized to fill equal parts of space. The artist balances the ornate forms with the circular shapes on opposite sides of the painting. In that way the work is organized and deliberate. The artist also uses muted softer colors throughout most of the work rather than brighter hues. The use of color unites the whole piece.
Evaluation:
I like this particular piece because of the use of balance. The colors are calm. Although there are many elements to this image, my eye moves over it at a moderate speed. I also like the decorative aspects of the piece. It feels very adorned, but antique.