Drawing with Shape

Task/Aims

My aim for this task was to create 12 images in keeping with my chosen visual subject, using predominantly shape and minimal to no use of line. The effect of using shape, creates a contemporary and bold aesthetic with the use of flat colour replacing textures and tone. It forces you to consider space and positioning carefully when assembling the main compositional elements along with how the shapes work together within a set frame and the colours used.

Exploring the use of shape for my chosen visual subject "Cowboys and Indians" was really interesting throughout the task, as it is rare that I include no line what-so-ever in my pieces even when using paper-cut techniques previously.

Cacti

Cacti and cacti scene

Dreamcatcher detail

Bonfire

Cowboy boot, teepees, sheriff badge and desert scene

Ceremonial feathers/dreamcatcher detail

Desert/mountains scenery

Desert ground

Successes

I feel overall the way I approached the task produced some really successful and striking imagery. I know that a few other students within the class were struggling with the absence of line completely, but for me, once I had got my head around using just minimal shapes, colour and arrangement, even for the really detailed aspects, I began to enjoy the task and like the results.

In the beginning I found it a lot easier to use cut paper when arranging the shapes within the frame. I was a lot more free to move the compositional elements around the page and once I had become more confident doing this, I began to use paint in block colours which created a different but also quite successful outcome.

Failures

I would like to have explored my visual subject a little more thoroughly throughout this task, incorporating cowboy elements into the final work, as well as human figures - not just objects and scenery. Drawing/creating human figures is something I am really not very comfortable in doing yet and I am trying to make this my aim in the future to improve upon this.

Some of the images I have created, although striking and quite successful in using just shape only, I am a little worried they are slightly too simple. A lot of the images are small, so maybe creating larger scenes would create more interest which I would like to explore further when taking this approach to artwork in the future.