Balance, emphasis and movement were the required components for this capstone project. I choose to tackle the more geometric shape design due to its hidden features among the negative space. My original layout, in black pen on Bristol, is approximate symmetry with the emphasis being the window-ish center of the composition. While the perimeter of the design has been said to look like a wooden floor, the movement comes from the effect of the center spiraling downwards in layers, similar to stairs. The shapes and lines create both positive and negative space that give a sense of familiarity as well as fantasy.
Once I applied a monochromatic color scheme to the design, it took on a new rhythm of movement. The shades of green expressed in this format show the unity of the spiral while each color still has its own strong emphasis. The perimeter of the composition is darkened to let it fade out; while allowing the spiral design takes your eye from the illustrations focal point center and back out, repeating the pattern with your eye.
After applying a monochromatic scheme to the design, I went in a different direction with just two complementary colors. Since the point of this exercise was to change the area of emphasis through color, I wanted something bright that would stand out against the composition. I choose a bright orange for the perimeters, allowing it to fade off the designs edge. I then used the blue to darken the corner geometric elements and have them fade into themselves, while having the blue center area fade out to the orange. The emphasis takes your eye directly to the orange outside and then allows you to explore the different gradients of blue.
Jennifer Smith - February 2009
Design Fundamentals II - Diane Masuda
Color Swirls - missing a few (by Jessica Gardner)
Dyed Ballet Shoes (by Bridgette the Ballerina)
Found Objects Composition (by unknown - sorry)
