Leaves 4 Ways

Shadows

Contour

Blind Contour
Negative Space

This week's sketchbook assignment was to find 4-5 leaves and draw them the four ways we have practiced in class. As I walked around my yard, I tried to choose leaves that were different from each other in texture, color, pattern and size. Drawing the leaves using shadows was challenging because of all the details on each leaf, however, this way was the most exciting to draw. The negative space drawing was the easiest since the leaves were basically solid shapes. A few weeks ago we sketched the negative space of a bicycle which had more complex lines and made the final sketch more interesting.

Structure

Construct a 4"x4"x4" cube positioned 4" above an 8" square base.

The first requirement for the cube was to articulate the edges to aid assembly and design intent.

As I was looking for inspiration for this project, I was drawn to modern buildings and homes that use windows at the corner edges instead of solid walls. I cut tabs from one side of the cube and tucked them into slits I made on the other side of the cube. The tabs are not tucked in tight so there is space to see into the center of the cube. Another requirement was to design an integral structure, using plastic drinking straws, that connects the cube to the base. Unfortunately my straws are not accomplishing that and will be redesigned. They need to be more dominant and bring another design element to this structure. As for the 8" base, I used the same type of cut I did on the tabs. These cuts allowed the paper to curve and mimic the edges of the cube.

Intersection

Design a container for a special object using paper, fabric, and thread of your choice.

Final Container

From the beginning I wanted to suspend the flower from something using thread. I chose cream fabric and thread to match the petals. The dark green paper on the inside is the same color as the stems and leaves that use to be attached. The darker color paper gives a nice contrast to the light flower.

Second Container

I eliminate any material that wasn't paper, fabric or thread and made the frame out of heavy weight rolled paper and sewed the pieces together with thread. The pink ribbon was my fabric and I included it for support and to hang the flower from the top. Unfortunately the stem broke off the flower before I could take a picture.

First Container

The materials I used in my first container were miscellaneous items from my kitchen. A few pink paper plates, wood skewers, silk flower petals and brown thread. I was not happy with the container and during my critique it was suggested that I only keep the cross support and tread. These two materials were creating a great intersection point and could be worked into a new design.

Negative Space Drawing

Last Tuesday we sat in the lobby and spent an hour drawing the negative space of a bicycle while it was upside down. We used 18x24" paper so this scan is much smaller than the original. I have never drawn the negative space of an object before. I liked focusing on what wasn't there verses what was, as well as not having to concern myself with the details of the bike. I started with the center triangle space inside the frame and then gradually moved my eyes outward in all directions. This helped keep the bike's proportions correct. The spokes of the wheels were the easiest for me because each negative space was clearly defined with few distractions behind them.

Foust Building

Last week's assignment, a pure contour drawing of the Foust Building, was a great opportunity to practice drawing what I see, not what I think I see. There are so many lines going in all directions that I had to concentrate on each one individually. As I was studying this building, the beautiful architectural details grabbed my attention and I really started to enjoy this exercise. Realizing how important accurate lines are to the composition of a contour drawing, I tried not to rush so I would not omit or add one accidentally. After doing this assignment, my interest for drawing without a T-square and triangle has grown.

I absolutely love the IARC building!

There are so many amazing details that make this space a great environment for learning about art, design and architecture.

The front entrance and gallery are open and welcoming.

The studio and lecture spaces are bright and full of positive energy.