Note: This project will not be assigned this semester. View the above as examples of compositions in vertical/ horizontal alignment when constructing the collage projects.

 

Format: 9” x 12”

Medium: pen, brush, and ink collage on bristol or watercolor paper.

Description: Value studies with lines and shapes in a horizontal/vertical arrangement.

Objectives: 1.) To balance a composition using line, shape, and value. 2.) To gain practice in the use of pen, brush, and ink. 3.) To recognize visual weights and spatial hierarchies created by contrasting values and proportions.

Instructions: Using ink washes of various dilutions, paint 10 -12 pages (or half pages) in a range of values from light to mid-tones to solid black.  Apply as evenly as possible using large wash brush or paint sponge.

* On a white or grey 9 x 12 page arrange grey, black and white squares, rectangles and strips in horizontal / vertical alignments (no diagonals) to form an asymmetrically balanced composition.

* Cut squares and rectangles of various sizes from each of the painted values as you need them, allowing the first chosen shape to determine the visual weight, size, and placement of the following shapes. Each added shape should sustain the balance and enhance the visual interest of the composition without cluttering it.

* Experiment with different arrangements before gluing.  Trace the final composition onto paper and glue flat. Curling and buckling will be prevented by placing the collage under a weighted surface for several hours after gluing. The paper onto which the pieces are glued should be the same weight or heavier than the painted papers.

Required:

1. Composition with Shapes: squares, rectangles, and strips of various sizes and values.

2. Composition with Lines: black pen lines of different weights on a white background.

3. Composition w/ Line and Shape: combination of the above using a full value range.

Optional:

4. Composition in Black and White:  Should create a Figure-Ground Reversal where positive and negative shapes/spaces are visually interchangeable.

5. Composition with Grid: Based on modular units of equal size.