Design Principles - Task 2: Visual Analysis & Ideation
Cher Pei Ying (0389055)
Design Principles
Task 2: Visual Analysis and Ideation
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Lectures
2. Instructions
3. Work Process
3.1 Selected Artwork
3.2 Visual Analysis
3.2.1 Observation
3.2.2 Analysis
3.2.3 Interpretation
3.3 Sketches
4. Feedback
5. Reflection
1. LECTURES
My lecture notes:
2. INSTRUCTIONS
This task is an extension to the selected artwork in Task 1, we are
required to conduct a visual analysis on the selected piece in about 300 -
400 words. Then, sketch 3 or more ideas that fulfill the design principles
used in the piece and write a 30 - 50 word explanation upon it. References
are allowed with credit.
3. WORK PROCESS
3.1 Selected Artwork
Title of design: The Umbrellas
Designed by: Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Designed year: 1880-1886
Size: 180.3 cm × 114.9 cm
Medium used: Oil on canvas
Source: National Gallery, London
3.2 Visual Analysis
3.2.1 Observation
This design work is in portrait format, it is happening in a busy
urban scene with a raining setting. The women on the front left
appears to be the main subject, she is wearing a long blue-ish dress
while carrying a basket. The other figures at the background acts as
supplementary characters, they have a more saturated color palette
with more variety. The piece is surrounded by umbrellas that fills
the upper part of the artwork, creating a dense visual environment.
The colors appear with a blurry and blended tone, showing soft and
calm atmosphere to the viewers.
3.2.2 Analysis
First of all, the women on the front left is painted with a more
dull tone of blue and greys, creating color contrast
with the more saturated and blended blues in the background. This
allows the main character to pop out more and show the viewers the
most important figure of the piece. The clear and outstood lines
drawn for the women along with the color palette used also creates emphasis as the women is placed at the foreground and the viewers attention
will first fall on her. Asymmetrical balance is also used in this piece. The painting is not evenly split but it somehow feels balanced
because the dense crowd on the right side is balanced by fewer but
visually strong figures on the left, in this case it is the woman.
Other than that, the element of umbrellas are repeated multiple times, creating
repetition, it guides the viewer’s eyes smoothly from one area to
another, establishing rhythm and flow within the
composition. This piece also creates movement of perspective by using
overlapping figures and umbrellas that gradually recede into the
background. This is because the foreground figures are larger and
clearer while the background figures are smaller and less defined in
comparison. This difference creates a sense of depth along the
artwork. Lastly, this piece achieves harmony and unity as it
fulfills all four design principles of emphasis, balance, repetition
and movement. The overall color and composition also makes the piece
feel coordinated as there are no harsh color clashes or overly saturated elements
that disrupt the harmony while the repeated shapes of umbrellas
create visual unity. So even though there are many figures in the
scene, the similar circular forms connect the composition into one
complete scene.
3.2.3 Interpretation
Renoir creates work with the impressionism and sought inspiration in the
works of Courbet and Manet, admiring their realistic approach and also in
the works of old masters such as Antoine Watteau and Francois Boucher. At the
time when "The Umbrellas" was painted, Paris was undergoing significant
social and economic changes. The city was bustling with life and the streets
were filled with people going about their daily routines. The painting
reflects the evolving urban landscape and the emergence of a modern society.
Renoir's keen observation of the contemporary scene is evident in the way he
captured the play of light, the movement of people and the fashion of the
era. In this painting, a very different view on modern Paris is presented,
emphasizing its isolation. This piece shows how the crowd of people barely
having any contact with each other despite the rain, they are rushing in
their own ways and uninterested with one another. The artist emphasizes that
the feeling of being lost, isolated and trapped in a big city is universal.
References:
3.3 Sketches
Figure 3.3.1 Sketch 1
My first idea is to reference the movie "Tangled" and draw Rapunzel as
the main character. The setting is when Rapunzel returns to her kingdom
and gets her hair braided by some little girls, just like in the movie.
Rapunzel's bright dress will show color contrast and emphasis, while the
small flags as decoration show repetition. Her hair will be drawn with
movement and there will also be a crowd in the picture to achieve
balance.
Background reference:
Figure 3.3.2 Screenshot from
video
Figure 3.3.3 Sketch 2
My second sketch has the same concept as sketch 1, which is to draw Rapunzel, but I changed to draw this during a night time setting and the floating lanterns will be all around the sky. Here, the repeated element of lanterns show repetition too.
Figure 3.3.4 Reference from
Pinterest
Figure 3.3.5 Sketch 3
Next, my third sketch is a Japanese high school girl holding an umbrella
in a Sakura tree street. There is a crowd behind her that gives depth to
the picture, and the Sakura flowers show repetition.
Figure 3.3.6 Sketch 4
Figure 3.3.7 Reference from Pinterest
After receiving feedback from my lecturer, I decided to choose sketch 2 to proceed to Task 3.
4. FEEDBACK
Week 4:
For interpretation, I can write my own understanding towards the artwork
rather than just searching for information online. Then, I can proceed to
sketch the ideas of my own design.
Week 5:
Choose between the first and second sketch to continue on for Task 3.
5. REFLECTION
The process of analyzing an artwork was a new experience for me as I rarely observe art in that kind of way. I learnt how to look deeper into an artwork beyond its surface and understand the intentions behind the artist’s choices upon the design principles. Other than that, this task has helped me to become more observant and critical when viewing artworks, which will also benefit my own creative process.
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