Shape

The aims of this session was to learn about using shape to create images, as so far we have only really looked at using different values of line. We were then set the task of using shape to create 3 portraits of people wearing funky outfits. 

Geoff Mcfetridge

I was excited by the prospect of using shape, if not a bit daunted, as it causes you to think in a completely different way. I feel that there has to be a significant consideration for composition, as you have to begin to understand how the shapes your creating will relate and work with each other. You also have to employ the ability to distill and simplify information. I think this distillation of information is probably what comes most effective from shape based imagery. It causes illustrators, like Geoff Mcfetridge to create really dynamic and minimal images that are very immediate in what they communicate - no wonder it can be so commercially popular...  

My work in response to the task - 

In this work I really wanted to explore my own personal style and taste in clothing. I do like to wear, sometimes but not always, really bold patterned or block coloured clothing. I also wanted to experiment with how I could use negative space to create new shapes. 

I like how I have collaged plain cut paper and images from newspapers and magazines together to create this piece. The use of an image to describe the clothes I think works well and is quite interesting. I think the cutouts in the face and hair, however, seem a bit random and the stark white ruins the composition. 

I think my use of negative space to create the shape of a hand and arm has worked really well here...

In these three images I feel I really expressed the style of clothing that I find interesting and fun, as well as the general appearance of bold hair and makeup. It was really enjoyable to explore this through my work, and I think it works really well in the bold coloured paper I have selected and the defined blocks of shape.

These are some gouache paintings I did in my sketchbook. Again I like the use of bold shape and colour, although, I think because I was painting it was easier to overcomplicate the image and revert back to using line instead of shape to describe facial features. To me, therefore, they are not as effective as the cut paper images, which seem more clean cut and shape driven.