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Project #3 Abstract Variations: Figure Ground Reversal & Activating Negative Space

Abstract Variations:
Figure and Ground Reversal
Positive + Negative Shape
Activating Negative Space



Objectives + Goals:
In this assignment, you will be creating a relationship between the figure (the object) and the ground (the air), and how they may morph into one and other in 4 steps. Note, the first image above in black and white example shows 12.

Steps:
  1. Choose a letter or number of your choice. Enlarge it to fit into a 5" square.                             
  2. In your sketchbook create 8 - 10 small thumbnails 2" square (with a ruler, please). Within each square, you will sketch up some ideas to get your creative minds designing. In each square allow yourself to develop the design into a dynamic figure-ground reversal.  Try adding thin and thick lines, designed with smaller and larger negative shapes.  Allow your design to crop on a number of edges of the square. 
  3. Arrange the best designs created from #2 above into four squares of 4" x 4" each, stacked - two above and two below.   The overall design will be 8" x 8"  
  4. Using your Sharpie marker fill in the positive and negative space so that it alternates. This will push the figure to the background and negative form forward.                                                                                                                     
  5. Translate this design onto your Bristol board, using 5" squares. The overall dimension of your design will be 10" x 10". Float in the center of the paper.                                                                 
  6. Choose a complementary pair. This will serve as the pair for this painting.                                                                                           
  7. The first block, in the upper left, will be the primary and secondary.                                                             
  8. The second block, in the upper right, will be the lightest compliment pairs by adding the opposite of their hue.                                                                                   
  9. The third block, lower left, will be a little darker compliments of the two hues. Let's call this the middle values.                                                                                                   
  10. The fourth block, in the lower right, will be the darkest of the compliment pair.   

Student Work



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