In 2d design we study the visual elements that make up an artwork and the principles that organize the composition. Then we try them out by making simple non objective designs. We analyze existing artworks such as poetry, music, and painting to see what elements and principles are making them work and if we can use some of those same combinations to create new original design.
How can we visualize the structures and emotions of poetry and music? How can we understand the existing visual structures of artworks to engage with that same visual language? I wanted to really lead the students through this process to show them exactly how I might analyze an existing artwork with the intention of learning what makes it work and theorizing the process of how it might have been made.
I started with this painting by Caleb Taylor from a recent exhibition of works at Haw Contemporary in Kansas City, MO. This is a very direct one to one example since it is a non objective painting being used to create a non objective design. I have my visual observations on the list on the right. It’s just observations of what I see. Then I used that observation to create an original design, looking for subtle opportunities where I can make a move that feels different from the source material. I have a lot of fun trying to get in another artist’s head and I don’t have a practice of non objective drawing and painting so it’s an interesting change of pace.
My design based on an existing artwork :)