shape EXERCISE
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PURPOSE
To BALANCE SHAPE and SPACE
To CONSTRUCT FIGURE/GROUND
To EXPLORE the effects of CHIAROSCURO
To DISCOVER the character of TEXTURE
THE EXERCISE
On medium-toned paper, use dark charcoal and light chalk to create a variety of shapes, textures and blends
INSTRUCTIONS
Create a variety of SHAPES > geometric bio-morphic angular organic jagged
Fill the shapes and spaces with TEXTURES > scribbled neat rough patterns dots
Fill the shapes and spaces with VALUE BLENDS > light to dark sudden or gradual
Create intentional SPACES BETWEEN the SHAPES
Think about the relationship between FIGURE/GROUND
Which is part do you see as a ‘THING’? Which part as ‘NO-THING’? Do they switch?
Blend from light to dark to create ILLUSIONS of DEPTH in some areas
NOTice
The shapes don’t have to ‘be’, ‘look like’, any ‘real’ thing
A shape can be ‘a representation of a thought, idea or gesture’
A shape can be ‘a symbol or abstraction of something known or unknown’
The relationships between the shapes and spaces helps us see wholeness
YOU are the SHAPEMAKER, THE SPACEMAKER, THE VALUEBLENDER
YOU decide the TYPE of ENERGY and the AMOUNT of BALANCE & RHYTHM in each shape and space
YOU decide the CHARACTER of the WHOLE COMPOSITION !
IMAGINE
IMAGINE you are looking into a toy chest.
What kind of shapes, forms or textures do see? Are there vehicles? figures? board games? building blocks? kaleidoscopes? puzzles? crayons?
IMAGINE you are in a marketplace where a variety of goods are being sold.
What kind of shapes, textures, patterns and light/dark value blends might you see?
(if you need something literal to give you a start - use these suggestions, then break away)
materials
Medium toned paper, gray, 11 x 17”
OR Tan kraft paper (grocery bag), 11 x 17”
Charcoal AND white chalk
Gray pastel chalk is optional
THEMES
This exercise explores shape, space, texture and blending (chiaroscuro) .