Zentangles
Above: Example of Contrast Below: Example of Texture
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Project Description: Students will be spraying ink onto paper with objects arranged to create some silhouettes in a balanced composition. Then students will add Zentangle designs to add some different values using texture and contrast.
Contrast in art: Contrast is simply defined as difference. Difference between art elements like color, value, size, texture, and so on can intensify the elements used. As a result, the elements used in a work of art can become more powerful. Although contrast is closely related with variety, it is usually considered a principle of art. Texture in art: In the visual arts, texture is the perceived surface quality of a work of art. It is an element of two-dimensional and three-dimensional designs and is distinguished by its perceived visual and physical properties. Use of texture, along with other elements of design, can convey a variety of messages and emotions. What is a Zentangle? The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. We call these patterns, tangles. You create tangles with combinations of dots, lines, simple curves, S-curves and orbs. These simple shapes are the "Elemental Strokes" in all Zentangle art. These patterns are drawn on small pieces of paper called "tiles." We call them tiles because you can assemble them into mosaics. Zentangle art is non-representational and unplanned so you can focus on each stroke and not worry about the result. There is no up or down to Zentangle art. If fact, you can most easily create Zentangle art by rotating your tile as you tangle -- always keeping your hand in a relaxed position. You don't need to know what a tangle is going to look like to draw it. You just need to know the steps. The result is a delightful surprise. As you use the Zentangle Method to create beautiful images, you likely will enjoy increased focus, creativity, self-confidence and an increased sense well-being. |
Spraying Ink with a Stencil |
How do we layout the background colors?
You need to know how to create a good balanced composition first! RULE OF THIRDS Imagine that your image is divided into 9 equal segments by 2 vertical and 2 horizontal lines. The rule of thirds says that you should position the most important elements in your scene along these lines, or at the points where they intersect. Doing so will add balance and interest to your photo. Some cameras even offer an option to superimpose a rule of thirds grid over the LCD screen, making it even easier to use. Notice how the building and horizon are aligned along rule-of-thirds lines. Image by Trey Ratcliff. BALANCING ELEMENTS Placing your main subject off-centre, as with the rule of thirds, creates a more interesting photo, but it can leave a void in the scene which can make it feel empty. You can achieve a balanced composition and even out the main subject's "visual weight" by including another object of lesser importance to fill the space. Here, the visual "weight" of the road sign is balanced by the building on the other side of the shot. Image by Shannon Kokoska. LEADING LINES When we look at a photo our eye is naturally drawn along lines. By thinking about how you place these leading lines in your composition, you can affect the way we view the image, pulling us into the picture, towards the subject, or on a journey "through" the scene. There are many different types of line - straight, diagonal, curvy, zigzag, radial etc - and each can be used to enhance our photo's composition. The road in this photo draws your eye through the scene. Image by Pierre Metivier. SYMMETRY AND PATTERNS We are surrounded by symmetry and patterns, both natural and man-made. They can make for very eye-catching compositions, particularly in situations where they are not expected. Another great way to use them is to break the symmetry or pattern in some way, introducing tension and a focal point to the scene. The symmetry of this chapel is broken by the bucket in the bottom right corner. Image by Fabio Montalto. VIEWPOINTBefore photographing your subject, take time to think about where you will shoot it from. Our viewpoint has a massive impact on the composition of our photo, and as a result it can greatly affect the message that the shot conveys. Rather than just shooting from eye level, consider photographing from high above, down at ground level, from the side, from the back, from a long way away, from very close up, and so on. The unusual viewpoint chosen here creates an intriguing and slightly abstract photo. Image by ronsho. BACKGROUND How many times have you taken what you thought would be a great shot, only to find that the final image lacks impact because the subject blends into a busy background? The human eye is excellent at distinguishing between different elements in a scene, whereas a camera has a tendency to flatten the foreground and background, and this can often ruin an otherwise great photo. Thankfully this problem is usually easy to overcome at the time of shooting - look around for a plain and unobtrusive background and compose your shot so that it doesn't distract or detract from the subject. The plain background in this composition ensures nothing distracts from the subject. Image by Philipp Naderer. DEPTH Because photography is a two-dimensional medium, we have to choose our composition carefully to conveys the sense of depth that was present in the actual scene. You can create depth in a photo by including objects in the foreground, middle ground and background. Another useful composition technique is overlapping, where you deliberately partially obscure one object with another. The human eye naturally recognises these layers and mentally separates them out, creating an image with more depth. Emphasise your scene's depth by including interesting subjects at varying distances from the camera. Image by Jule Berlin. FRAMING The world is full of objects which make perfect natural frames, such as trees, archways and holes. By placing these around the edge of the composition you help to isolate the main subject from the outside world. The result is a more focused image which draws your eye naturally to the main point of interest. Here, the surrounding hills form a natural frame, and the piece of wood provides a focal point. Image by Sally Crossthwaite. CROPPING Often a photo will lack impact because the main subject is so small it becomes lost among the clutter of its surroundings. By cropping tight around the subject you eliminate the background "noise", ensuring the subject gets the viewer's undivided attention. Cut out all unnecessary details to keep keep the viewer's attention focused on the subject. Image by Hien Nguyen. |
Before you Start - Practice and Ideas
Now that you know how to balance your composition. You need to practice basic Zentangle values so when you add your Zentangles you are still maintaining balance of contrast.
Now that you know how to balance your composition. You need to practice basic Zentangle values so when you add your Zentangles you are still maintaining balance of contrast.
zentangle_ideas.pdf |
PROJECT GOALS:
-Well balanced overall composition using one of the different composition techniques listed above.
-A variety of Zentangles in all three values present.
-Ink added creates a balanced contrast between the light and dark areas.
-Good color choices (no bad mixes)
-Visually appealing/Interesting to look at.
-Well balanced overall composition using one of the different composition techniques listed above.
-A variety of Zentangles in all three values present.
-Ink added creates a balanced contrast between the light and dark areas.
-Good color choices (no bad mixes)
-Visually appealing/Interesting to look at.