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 01 - SELF-PORTRAIT USING HAND RENDERED TYPE (Spring Semester)

Due dates and critique:
Monday, February 1, 2016 / Tuesday, February 2, 2016

In this assignment you will create a self-portrait using free hand rendering type. You will be using your name or if you prefer your nick name or first name, what ever option you prefer, but only one of them. You will be using primarily black ultra-fine sharpie, pilot fine point marker, good ink pen, medium and thick points using them together to distinguish line weight when creating your composition. this is mainly to build out your highlights, mid-tones, shadows, shading, gradients. be aware of contrast in your composition, positioning of your portrait density in areas necessary. Be very aware of your positive and negative space, Figure/ground relationships, framing your subject, crops and aesthetics of composition. (rule of thirds). How the eye travels, points of interest. Focal point.

Pay attention to mark making and  craftsmenship. The more refined features that may be delicate require finer points etc…

Pay attention to details, shape and/or style to create different values and shapes in your composition. Remember your values... broad range of dark to gradual lighter pallette when appropriate, line weight, contrast, composition to create a dynamic self-portrait.

Materials
• Bristol 9x12” format

Process
Start with at least 4 different thumbnail sketches in your sketchbook and practice the way you will write out your name, etc. PRACTICE. Once you have an interesting composition move to the big paper. With light pencil and line drawing, Map out the areas where there will be highlights, mid tones and shadows. THis will give you an idea for framing your subject and areas that will be developed for your composition. The purpose of a light pencil sketch is to provide you with a guide to start developing from pencil and then apply the inks according to your needs.

It's important to be aware of the lettering used in the areas to create a notion of shading, blending, light areas, dense areas, etc… this creates contrast, volume, detention.

Samples