DESIGN PRINCIPLES / TASK 2: VISUAL ANALYSIS & IDEATION

╎Week 3 - Week 5

╎Gwendalyn Firly Bong / 0374580

╎Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media

╎Task 2: Visual Analysis & Ideation

I. Instructions

II. Lectures

III. Exploration

IV. Feedback

V. Reflection

VI. Quick Links

I. INSTRUCTIONS

II. LECTURES

Visual Analysis

A method of understanding design that focuses on the visual elements and principles
To recognize the choices that a designer made in creating the design
To understand how the formal properties of a design communicate ideas, content, or meaning
Helps people read and critically interpret images, whether in a museum, on social media, in entertainment, advertising, or the news
3 parts:

Phase 1: Observation

To look at and identify the visual elements of a design, and try to describe them carefully and accurately in your own words
The observation phase is about looking, thinking, and finding good language to communicate what you notice.

Phase 2: Analysis

It requires us to think about our observations and try to make statements about the work based on the evidence of our observations
Analyze how specific visual elements are combined to create design principles that complete that work of design/art, and the effects on the viewer

Phase 3: Interpretation

Observations, descriptions, and the analysis of the work are fused with facts about the design work and historical context

III. EXPLORATION

Recap

For Task 2, we are tasked to recap the Task 2 brief, write a 300-350 word visual analysis of the artwork selected in Task 1, and sketch 3 ideas on how the artwork can be improved. Support each design with a rationale (30-50 words) and visual references can be included.

Figure 1.1

(Source: Here)

Title: The Swing

Artist: Jean-Honoré Fragonard

Year: 1767

Size: 81 cm × 64.2 cm

Medium: Oil on canvas

Visual Analysis

Figure 1.2: Analysis

Observation

In the center of the painting, a young girl is dressed in an elegant, bright pink gown. Her refined clothing suggests she belongs to the upper class or the aristocracy. She swings high in the air, legs fully extended. One of her shoes flies off her foot, revealing her ankles. Her hidden lover can be seen hiding in the bushes below, eyes fixated on the girl above. An older-looking man can be seen tucked away in the corner of the painting. He's holding on to the ropes connected to the swing, seemingly unaware of the affair happening. On the left side, a statue of a putto, which symbolizes love, is seen with a finger held to his lips, as if urging silence. Another statue depicts two putti riding a dolphin.

(130 words)

Analysis

The focal point in the painting is a young woman, highlighted by the bright light shining from above. This contrasts with the dark greens and yellows of the forest surrounding her, and she is further emphasized by her bright pink dress. The use of pinks, greens, yellows, and blues creates harmony, with the bright blue sky complementing the darker plants. The dark greens create a sense of mystery and add depth to the painting. Dynamic motion is created throughout the painting by the use of curves; the arc of the swing, the flowing dress, and the branches surrounding the young woman. This guides the viewer's eyes around the painting, creating movement. The repetition of natural elements and soft color palettes creates unity in the painting. This painting has an asymmetrical balance, as the elements are arranged in a way that creates a sense of visual equilibrium despite the lack of symmetry. The young woman is in the center, but the other elements, like the older man on the right, the young man in the bushes, and the surrounding nature, balance her visually in an uneven yet harmonious way.

(188 words)

Interpretation

This painting was created during the mid-1700s Rococo era by the artist Jean-Honoré Fragonard. The rococo era is known for having a softer style, asymmetry, and pastel colors, often with a more playful and romantic undertone. (Rococo |) It was also associated with the French aristocracy, where discreet romantic affairs were the norm among them. In this painting, a young woman on a swing playfully exposes her ankle, symbolizing sensuality. Her hidden admirer can be seen hiding in the bushes below, while an older-looking man pushing the swing seems to be unaware of the affair happening. This painting captures the carefree and often hidden nature of romantic life in the aristocracy.

(109 words)

Sketches

Sketch #1

This sketch is much closer to the original painting. I will focus on repetition and rhythm. The swinging motion will be more exaggerated, while the trees and foliage will take on a more fluid, swirling form.

Figure 2.1: Sketch 1

Sketch #2

For the third sketch, I drew inspiration from the story of "Thumbelina". The foliage and trees will appear oversized, creating a lush, tall environment, while the characters will be depicted on a smaller scale. The colors of the characters will also be very vibrant to make them stand out more from the background.

Figure 2.2: Sketch 2

Sketch #3

For the final sketch, I used the Gestalt theory of closure. The shape of the tree leaves won't be explicitly drawn but the sky will create an illusion of it.

Figure 2.3: Sketch 3

Inspiration Pictures/Ideas

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1126181450594854770/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1126181450594851421/

https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/spiral-trees

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1126181450594854843/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1126181450594853519/

IV. FEEDBACK

Week 4

General Feedback: May proceed with the 3 sketches

Specific Feedback: Good use of terminology and structure of analysis

Week 5

Specific Feedback: Refine the sketches and finish reflection

V. REFLECTION

Experience

Through this assignment, I was able to learn more about how design principles can make or break an artwork. I was able to research lots of different artworks and find out more about what makes it complete. A challenge I went through during this task is coming up with ideas. I had a hard time creating ideas related to the original painting I chose.

Observations

My research and the lecture videos greatly improved my understanding of the ideas and the concept of design principles. This also helped me to gain a deeper understanding of the artwork I have selected.

Findings

As I learn more about the concept of design principles, I can look back on my previous work and spot missing aspects that I can improve. Each of these principles will work together to create a more united and cohesive work.

REFERENCES

Bruckbauer, A. (n.d.). Fragonard, The Swing (article) | Rococo. Khan Academy. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/renaissance-reformation/rococo-neoclassicism/rococo/a/fragonard-the-swing

inside art- “the swing”, jean-honoré fragonard. (2019, April 12). inside art- “the swing”, jean-honoré fragonard. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from https://macaronjottings.wordpress.com/2019/04/14/%F0%9F%8E%A8-inside-art-the-swing-jean-honore-fragonard-%F0%9F%8E%A8/

Rococo | Definition, Art, Painting, Architecture, & Characteristics. (2025, February 10). Britannica. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from https://www.britannica.com/art/Rococo

10 Artworks That Defined the Rococo Style. (2018, May 29). Artsy. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-10-artworks-defined-rococo-style

Vitek, A. (2020, December 3). Analysis of "The swing" by Jean-Honoré Fragonard. Culturez-vous. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from https://culturezvous.com/en/analysis-fragonard-the-swing/

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Gwendalyn Firly Bong (0374580)