PROJECT 06: Figure/Ground Relationships (Space is Shape)

Project Due Date: Critique, Beginning of class

Section 1/Samimy: Monday, Oct. 29th
Section 2/Samimy: Tuesday, Oct. 30th

Project Description

You should have reviewed and understood the reference material on figure/ground relationships provided below.
Now, create a series of 3 abstract (non-representational) compositions using different cut out shapes in various sizes as necessary. Use the three types of figure/ground relationship to create a unique and effective composition. Use contrasting (variation in size) shapes against each other, layer shapes as you need, merge them together or place them stratigically keeping in mind the aesthetics of your composition. Crop, combine, repeat, mirror, rotate, enlarge, and/or reduce the shapes. Think about the following concepts listed below and the meaning of each relationship. Think creatively, aesthetically and be innovative:

• Figure/ground relationship- stable/reversible/ambiguous
• Balance- symmetrical/asymmetrica/all-over, equalized tension
• Composition- dynamic/static
• Vertical/diagonal/horizontal
• Hierarchy (emphasis)
• Movement/directionality

Process

Homework- 
Start doing thumbnails with pencil or black construction paper in your sketchbook, at least 3 different ideas for each composition (total 9 thumbnails on sketchbook.) If you haven't found a strong solution/idea… more thumbnail sketches will be necessary! 

Class time-
At start of class, consult with your teacher and select the best pieces. Choose 3 final designs that distribute positive and negative space into fluid, balanced compositions following the three required relationships. Note: You can explore enlarging the whole composition or some parts, cropping, adding or deleting shapes.

Re-create the three selected compositions with black/colored, and white construction paper. Use the same type of paper for your 3 compositions, so you do not have any change in white/black/colored shapes.

You will be graded on completion of thumbnail ideas, well resolved compositions, creativity, aesthetics, craftsmanship, neatness, class participation during critique. Deadlines must respected.

Materials

• black construction paper or colored paper of your choice
• x-acto knife/sharp scissors
• rubber cement or elmers type glue or glue stick
• (3) 9" x 12" paper 

Students Samples

  
  

REFERENCE - Figure/Ground Relationships

Figure/Ground Relationship

The figure/Ground relationship is the most basic of all relationships in design. It refers to the relationship between positive and negative shapes, and is used as an aid in 2-D composition. 

In art/design, one way we define space is by placing objects in it. This creates a relationship (object-in-space). Something and nothing. Placing an object IN space, defines that space, and CREATES a Figure/Ground Relationship. The object becomes the figure, and the space becomes the ground. 

Here is another way to think about it: The part of a composition that we pay attention to is called figure.  Everything that is not figure is ground. As attention shifts an object can go from figure to ground and back. Positive/Negative shape are analogous terms for Figure/Ground. 

Three Main Types of Figure/Ground Relationships

The figure and ground are inseparable. The figure always defines the ground, and the ground defines the figure. If you draw the figure in a composition, you are drawing the ground at the same time.

Stable-  Unchanging. You know what the figure is, and what the ground is. The focus of our attention does not change. 

Reversible- The positive and negative space/elements attract our attention equally. Our attention is drawn back and forth between the two. 

Ambiguous- The positive and negative space/elements challenge the viewer to find a focal point. What is the figure? What is the ground? Figure is entangled with ground without dominance. Ambiguous f/g relationships are usually abstract. See example below.

Rubin vase—an ambiguous figure/ground illusion. When you see the faces as figure, the vase is the ground. When you see the vase as figure, the faces are the ground.
The viewer shifts from one figure to the other but do not to see both as figure at the same time.

Compositional element within F/G relationships

Active- group elements off-center (asymmetrical) to create visual movement. 

Neutral- centered compositions are stable, not dynamic. Do not center! 

Bleeding- dynamic (it bleeds of the page, and can’t be contained)

Cropping- creates abstraction

Balance in F/G relationship 

In Stable relationship- balance (size/shape) = unified design.

In Reversible relationship-  balance (size/shape) = tension. which is which?

In Ambiguous relationship- balance (size/shape) = action. all space is active. 

Tips on working with figure/ground

• Balancing figure and ground make the composition more clear.
• Using unusual figure/ground relationships can add interest.
• Spaces with convex (a), symmetric (b), smaller in area (c) or enclosed (d) shapes are “seen” as figure.
• An expressive use of white space requires an asymmetrical design. Centering kills the white space (dividing it into unusable emptiness). Asymmetrical design creates a NEED for interestingly shaped white space. 
• A deliberate use of white space creates + and - space that are equally important.

Sample Figure/Ground Relationship Studies

                   

PROJECT 04 - Exercise producing a complete value grayscale - Mounted on White presentation board

From these 96 total swatches, which are 2 carefully measured gridded sheets, 1'x1' squares, you will create a value scale representing TEN EVEN steps from black  to white. black and white with eight even incremental changes in-between.

Mount your swatches on presentation board for critique. Result is 1"x1" squares mounted on a 2"x11" white board.

Demonstration video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTPwkJI1I9g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-jkKJmSW_8

Materials

-Mars Black and Titanium White acrylic

-9x12 inch bristol board x 2

-Pallet knife

-1" Brush (bright)

-2 cups (for water)

-Paint palette (aluminum foil)

-Paper Towels

Process/Schedule

First Class Period

1. Lay out grid (to create your swatches) on bristol board. 2 sheets total if you succeed to create a wide range of well painted solid values. You will need a 3rd page.
2. Grid will have a total of 24 rectangular swatches per page, each measuring 1"x2" with 1/2" space in-between each rectangle. 3 swatches across top of 9"x12" page and 8 swatches down the length of page. Total swatches per page = 24
3. Lay separatley black and white paints out on palette, and mix paints starting from black (or white) and adding incremental amounts of the opposite color. Mix paint throughly with palette knife and then brush until well mixed and you have a solid tone and brush-in swatches to fill the entire page. Must paint with smooth strokes, no streaks and an opaque thick coat of paint for full coverage. may have to use a couple of coats of paint to achieve a smooth clean opaque gray tone.
4. Each swatch should have consistent color, and be a unique value. Must paint 3-4 of same values. The more variety of values you paint e, the easier it will be to select 11 strong swatches to create the final value scale.
5. The goal is to create as many distinct values as you can. Fill in each rectangle of your grid with a solid value. Paint slightly beyond the borders. you must still be able to see original guides as you will be carefully cutting out each swatch one by one with an exact blade.
6. Be sure you have all 10 values represented from from black (straight from the tube) progressing to middle gray, and continuing through light grays toward bright white (also straight from the tube). 
7. Clean your workspace and all your painting materials (brushes, palettes, etc)

Second Class Period

1. Finish painting your two pages of value swatches. You may need more than 2 pages.
2. Lay out your presentation board, using the guidelines provided below.
3. With a metal ruler, and cutting board, carefully cut-out your painted swatches so they are exactly the same size (1" x 1"). Cut very carefully following the guides you measured out. Makes life easier and cuts will be much more exact. Make sure cuts are clean, by using a new x-acto blade. NO CUTTING DIRECTLY ON TABLES. Cutting boards must be used. These have to be as close to perfect as possible.

Homework

1. Finish laying out your black presentation board, using the guidelines provided. 
2. Bring your presentation board to class, along with your x-acto knife. 
3. Finish cutting out your swatches, if not finished in class.
4. You may first glue your swatches on a strip of 1"x11" as a safety net to make sure all swatches are glued right next to each other and follow a straight pattern vertically.

Final Class Period

1. Select the best swatches from your entire page that represent 11 consistent steps in value. 
2. Show your presentation board (with layout lines/grid) to instructor. Once it has been given the ok, proceed with mounting of swatches. DO NOT PROCEED UNTIL YOUR LAYOUT HAS BEEN APPROVED.
3. Using rubber cement, glue stick or regular glue, carefully glue swatches to presentation board. There should be no gaps between swatches, and all swatches should be perfectly aligned. 
4. Let rubber cement dry slightly, and remove any excess glue with the appropriate eraser. 
5. Neatly Label (name and date) your work with hard pencil in lower right-hand corner. 
6. Cut and tape tissue paper sheet to act as protector. 

The final 30 mins of class will be reserved for critique.

Rubric

You will be evaluated on the following:

1. Laying out your bristol board into an even grid (even measurements, straight lines).

2. Your ability to mix the paints evenly. 

3.  Painting swatches that are free of brush strokes, or excessive paint build up.

4.  Filling up your entire page with different/distinct values.

5. Choosing the best 10 swatches that represent even steps from black to white. 

6. Laying out your presentation board neatly (consistent measurements, and centered)

7. Cutting out your swatches, and mounting them to the presentation board. 

8. Removing excess glue and having all your swatches line up evenly. 

Layout Measurements

Below is the sample of the GRID for the Value scales. you need to be sure and cut the 1"x10" support strip to glue your swatches and also mount them on the 2"x11" thicker mounting board with a 1/2" boarder all around as we had done in class. if you have questions please ask me or communicate with your class mates for information.