Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Variety and Contrast
We may want to examine composition of
some art works. For example, the sculpture by
Constantin Brancusi “Bird in Space” (1911, http://
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bird_in_Space.jpg)
has the most basic, abstract primordial vitality. In
Pierre Bonnard “The Dining Room in the Country”
(1913, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bonnard-
the_dining_room_in_the_country.jpg), composi-
tion of both the outdoor and indoor scene has been
achieved by using broad areas of color.
See Table 13 for Your Visual Response.
An artist uses elements of design to create diversity
and differences in an artwork. Contrasting colors,
textures, and patterns all add interest to the artwork.
Highlights of color to the corners or edges of some
shapes may be used to add contrast. To examine vari-
ety and contrast in some art works, we may look how
the Dutch graphic artist M. C. Escher (1898-1972)
used contrast to isolate some shapes from others and
from a main body of his works (http://en.wikipedia.
org/wiki/File:Escher_Circle_Limit_III.jpg), or
Vassily Kandinsky, “On White II” (1923, http://
Table 13.
Your Visual Response: Working on Composition
Make a line drawing of your room. Think of what you selected for this sketch and what you decided not to include. What are some of the
ways of making you a center of interest in this composition? Try to apply formal and then an informal balance. Introduce an impression
of movement in your composition. What may add rhythm to your composition?
