PERCEPTUAL PRINCIPLES AND MEDIA: (PLAY OF LIGHT)
Brief Outline
The theory of light on forms requires a sound understanding of perception of edges, shape, negative spaces, tonal contrast and texture. This project is designed to introduce the relationship between drawing the visual, and perceptual brain processes, as well as the methods to access these processes. Four processes are to be introduced and mastered in this project, the perception of edges, the perception of spaces, the perception of relationships, the perception of light and shadow, and the perception of the whole. Concepts such as solidity, roundness and transparency are to be practiced and understood. Exercises will focus on the contrast between solidity and transparency and to explore how light interacts with these different forms. A series of drawings are to be done to teach how to observe light and dark, solidity and transparency, and how to transform these into grey tones on a flat paper. The aims of this project is to improve knowledge of light and shadows, to develop sensitivity in using diverse media, develop observational skills and ability to direct set ups, develop perception of light and darkness by mapping analytic process in quick diagrams, to explore techniques that suggest illusion of sense of volume, to analyze underlying axial structures and external profiles of basic forms, translate 3D forms into 2D forms, application of line and tonal values to show mass, volume, surface, textures and depth, gain understanding of drawing principles, develop time management, and to explore how tonal contrast, overlapping, line variety, and textual effects work together to lead one's eye through a drawing to an interesting focal area.
Deliverables
1 - 15 minute memory drawing of a sphere, graphite pencil on A4
2 - Video demonstration and analysis, graphite pencil and charcoal on A3
3 - Lecture notes, graphite pencil and charcoal on A3
4 - Video demonstration and analysis, graphite pencil and charcoal on A3
5 - Building basic forms, triplex
6 - Journal entries - contour drawings, pen and ink
7 - Atomic string warm-up exercise, charcoal
8 - Grounded surfaces with additive and subtractive techniques, charcoal on A3
9 - Pencil and mark making techniques, graphite pencil on A3
10 - Applications of the theory of light, drawing basic forms and a play of light, graphite pencil on A3
11 - Lay over (tracing paper), graphite pencil on tracing paper
12 - Drawing of a glass of water with a straw or pencil or spoon, graphite pencil on A3
13 - Play of light: observational and analytical drawing of the play of light between basic forms, sepia pencil on A3 brown paper
14 - Play of light x 2 - observational and analytical drawing of the play of light between five basic forms, attempt 1 and 2 on A3 with graphite pencils
Rationale
This project was extensive in the world of form. Many different shapes were used in order to show how light affects the form it is on. I approached this project with sensitivity in order to clearly capture the different elements of a form, being the different shadows and highlights. Glass was a difficult object to draw, however with a lot of practice and a few attempts, I learnt that glass reflects light and thus the highlights on the glass is what defines it. Working on different kinds of paper helped me show light with different media. Overall this project was very informative and it really helped me develop my perceptual skills
