Art, Design & Mathematics

COURSE:   Design 111 

INSTRUCTOR:   Melissa Newell

PROBLEM #1: Geometric Pattern and color theory

DUE:    Mon. April. 16th

Student reflection on pattern and color theory

Student art gallery, reduction printmaking

MATERIALS:  Reeves BFK and art packet and black foamcore (wait to purchase the foamcore)

 

Project Description:

 

You will be working with three geometric shapes- the square, triangle and hexagon to create two finished projects.  The first project/problem is to select one of the above geometric shapes and symmetrically divide the interior space to create pattern.  The second project/problem is to take at least one of the above geometric shapes and create a pattern that tessellates.  Please follow carefully the discussion in class on geometric form.  The expectation is that you will create an interesting design with balance, color and pattern.  You might also consider positive and negative space.  Please pay attention to the discussion in class regarding any and all design terms.  Take notes!   You will be given a hand out on color next week.

 

Friday:  Please be prepared to show your design explorations.  Try to have 3- 5 experiments.  Use your sketchbook.  Don’t start the finish form of this project until after you have spoken to me on Friday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Color Theory Exercises for your sketchbook:

 

1.               Mix the twelve colors --- y, yg, g, bg, b, bv, v, rv, r, ro, o, yo and create your own color wheel.

 

2.        Use any of the complementary colors to create a horizontal intensity scale.

At either end, the colors should be at spectrum intensity.   Gradually mix a little of the complement with each color until you arrive at a neutral gray, which is placed in the middle rectangle.  

 

3.       Value change-- select any color of the wheel at its spectrum intensity and mix either white or black to create a value range from 1-10.

 

4.          Simultaneous contrast

a.      Using a spot of primary color of high intensity, mount it first on a background of its complement and then place the same primary color on a background of any related color.

          b.   Use the same color in a lower intensity and mount it on the same  

                  Backgrounds.

c.   Use a low intensity of any primary color and mount it first on a

 background of plain gray or black.   Then put it on a background of its        

 own hue at a high intensity.

          d.   Using neutral gray, mount it first on a background of any pure primary or

                  secondary.   Next place the same gray against a background which is the  

                  compliment of the first color used.

 

5.          Standard color combinations

          a.   Monochromatic

          b.   Analogous

            c.   Complementary

          d.   Split-complementary

                            

Create a simplified geometric design and paint each one using the above list of standard color combinations.

 

6.       The Impressionistic painters of the 19th century developed a technical painting method to simulate the illusion of light, color and atmosphere.   Because they knew that light was composed of varying wavelengths of color, they painted surfaces with dabs of different colors placed side by side in an attempt to catch the vibrating quality of light rays.   They realized the eye would mix or fuse these colors into the variations or color mixtures, which they desired.   In this manner paint a simple still life.