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Add caption Yesterday the class continued working on the "Puzzle Parts" project. Notice the similarities and differences in the two series above. By using vertical and horizontal lines and shapes, Ashley has created a very stable series of images. The designs are reminiscent of the inner workings of a machine. The circles appear to run along the linear elements. Calli has also employed vertical and horizontal lines for division and stability yet the implied diagonals connecting the other elements add dynamics and excitement. The color schemes of the two series are very different as well. Ashley has used a monochromatic color scheme of blue which is very unified and cohesive. Calli's color's are similar to a complementary color scheme again adding more extreme contrasts and dynamics.

Yesterday the class continued working on the "Puzzle Parts" assignment. Tomorrow will be the last class session dedicated to this assignment before we move onto VALUE and paint. Notice how the backgrounds are divided, creating new shapes on the examples below. Jorge Waldo

Yesterday the class began a series of six compositional studies using the same line and shapes elements and colors for each image. The objective is to see how many variations can be achieved. Students are trying to balance the space by applying the compositional rule of: one large shape, a few medium shapes and one or more small shapes as well as five of the six distal cues: location, diagonals, overlap, size, value (the last and not included atmospheric perspective). Emily  Emily's composition exhibits a left/ right movement. Nice how the circle passes through the lines. She has established triangulation between the "u" shapes as well as the color black. The only fault with this composition is that she has seven positive shapes where the rules state "no more than six are allowed." Jose  Jose has done a great job of creating an interesting negative (blue) shape by "cropping" many of the positive shapes. Observe the multiple rhythms in orange, yellow an...

This week the class has been working on collages addressing composition. The objective is to create varied compositions using the same basic elements and colors in each. Notice in the arrangements above the adherence to "The Rule of Compositio," which is to have - One large shape, a few medium shapes and one or more small shapes. In addition, each composition above has the positive elements engaging in at least two sides of the format. This is critical for activating and creating visual interest in the negative areas of the composition.

Gayle Tai Wednesday and Thursday the class worked on a composition project. The objective was to create a series of images using the same elements (line, curvilinear shape, rectilinear shape) and the same palette. Gayle's collages are bold and striking with large, powerful shapes and rich colors. The shapes move freely from foreground to background by overlapping shapes with the same color on different layers. Her compositions consist of sweeping arcs and rolling circles supported by stable vertical and horizontal structures. Tai has created a very clean and minimalist series of collages. The images appear locked into place as though there were warning signs identifying an unseen hazard. On the other hand, there is also an air of surveillance and "Big Brother" suggested by the electronic roving eye illustrated by the centralized circles throughout the compositions.

Melissa Milks Last night the class completed the composition project "Parts of the Puzzle." By using only one type of curvilinear shape, one type of line and one type of rectilinear shape students were tasked with making varied compositions while trying to create additional shapes by cropping, overlapping and joining the existing elements. Notice in the arrangements above how the zig-zag line creates triangles (upper right) or cracked shapes (upper left). Tilting the rectangle also creates triangles (lower left) in the negative space. In addition, she has effectively employed overlap, size change and location throughout the series of collages.

Circe Ament Last Friday the class made a series of (6) compositional studies using the same (3) elements with a limitation of no more than (6) positive shapes per composition. The objective was to create the most varied and dynamic arrangements while trying to invent new shapes. The strength in Circe's collages above lies in her division of the negative areas. The most successful pieces are those with the large brown shapes. These compositions exhibit the most attention to balancing the positive and negative areas.

Nancy Aguilar Last Thursday students finished their composition studies. Nancy's series above exhibits very dynamic shapes complemented by quick, swooping rhythms and movements. She has effectively balanced the positive and negative areas by dividing the field with large and small shapes. In addition, the images all project a strong sense of action by the claw-like menacing shapes reaching for and encircling the other elements.

Lukas Lohden Students finished up their compositional studies on Thursday. Lukas' arrangement above has employed similarity and repetition allowing the "eye" to move from one shape to an entirely different type of shape. Notice in the middle left piece how we are pushed from the wavy, red lines to the red rectangle. Remember, similarity works through line, value, shape, color and texture. Elements just need to share one likeness in order to relate. He has also established a strong rhythm through many of the compositions by cropping the crescent shape and multiplying it creating a ripple effect seen in the bottom left. All in all, a very solid display and all the pieces stand well together.