Monday, May 6, 2019

Planar Analysis 2019

Read pages 67-70 and complete exercise 4.3 in your text-(modified per post)
to be completed May 7 and 9 2019

Plane defined: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/plane
noun
1. a flat or level surface.
2. Geometry. a surface generated by a straight line moving at a constant velocity with respect to a fixed point.
3. Fine Arts. an area of a two-dimensional surface having determinate extension and spatial direction or position:
oblique plane; horizontal plane.
Recording planes:
Understanding the planes that make up the subject will help you identify and record the structure, mass and value of the it.  Identifying the planes should happen in tandem with your ability to see value.  This should occur as a result of observing the subject, the discovery of planes and value is associated with the idea of drawing from general to specific. 
A core requirement of drawing from observation requires the artist to investigate the subject with the goal to see and analyze the subject.  It's reasonable to say that we will understand the subject better after continued study especially in contrast to the immediate response, (ie, your brain will have more visual information after two hours of observing the subject compared to five minutes of observation).  This observational concept also supports the idea of drawing from general to specific. 
Being mindful of changes is a good rule (tool) of thumb when drawing planes and defining values from observation.  The core idea is that you identify and react to the subject that you're drawing.  In most cases if you identify a shift in value, seek out a planar change, and conversely if a plane has changed, seek out a shift or transition in value. The changes or shifts could be a result of the subject turning away from you based on your position in space or it could represent a change in the physical structure of the subject.  Regardless, something changed, respond to it and use the information defined as changes to help describe your subject and achieve sculptural weight.

Figure 4.16 and 4.17 in your text are solid examples of recording and describing planes and values and should be reviewed.
 
Pastel by Gary Kelley, Theispot
The above image by Kelley, a contemporary illustrator, demonstrates defined planes and value shifts.
Kelley's work is often informed by Cubism and can be viewed at several Starbuck/Barnes & Noble locations.


The content of Kelly's mural includes various authors and is displayed as part of the apron between the sites connecting the stores.
If you get the chance to view his mural take note of the overall design, the defined planes and the power of the large scale.

The Barnes & Noble in Vestal does have his mural displayed!! (check it out if you are in the Binghamton area)

Still life should consist of one cylindrical item (bottle) a cube and sphere-
Size: 18 x 24 inches
Medium: pencil

Due: 05/09

Objectives:
Identify and define the major planes
Identify the two major keys
Identify the terminator
Establish sculptural weight