DESIGN PRINCIPLES / FINAL COMPILATION

╎Week 1 - Week 7

╎Gwendalyn Firly Bong / 0374580

╎Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media

╎Final Compilation

Task 1 (Link)

Figure 1.1

(Source: Here)

Title: The Swing
Artist: Jean-Honoré Fragonard

Year: 1767
Size: 81 cm × 64.2 cm

Medium: Oil on canvas

Design Principles:

Movement

A lot of curves are used in this painting: the swing's arc, flowy dress, branches

It creates a dynamic motion, guiding the viewer's eyes around the work

Contrast and Emphasis

The girl's bright pink dress stands out as compared to the darker green forest background

She is also more emphasized thanks to her position, which is the center of the painting

The bright light shining upon her also helps to create a contrast compared to the dark, unlit forest

Unity

The repetition of similar elements (trees, branches, nature elements)

The soft color scheme of pinks, greens, and blues

The dynamic movement created by soft curves in the work

The girl in the center acts as the focal point

Task 2 (Link)

Figure 2.1

(Source: Here)

Figure 2.2: 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)

Task 3 (Link)

Version 1

Figure 3.1: Version 1 JPEG

Figure 3.2: Version 1 PDF

link

Version 2

Figure 3.3: Version 2 JPEG

Figure 3.4: Version 2 PDF

link

Final Compilation

link

Rationale

This design is a reimagination of the original artwork, infused with fantastical elements to create a more whimsical atmosphere. I was inspired by the movie "Arrietty" and the fairytale "Thumbelina", both of which feature tiny humans surrounded by a large forest. I wanted to capture a similar sense of wonder and scale. While adding my own touches, I still maintained the underlying narrative of the original painting.

This design focuses on emphasis. The greenery appears oversized, creating a lush, towering environment, while the characters will be depicted on a smaller scale to create an emphasis on them. The design follows the gestalt theory’s principle of figure-ground, where the background remains slightly blurred, allowing the foreground elements to appear more prominent and distinct. To further enhance this contrast, the characters have vibrant colors. Additionally, the repetition of vines and plants will introduce a sense of movement, making the scene feel dynamic and immersive.

Symbolism is subtly woven into the use of flowers, each carrying a deeper meaning. The lily of the valley, despite its delicate and sweet appearance, harbors a poisonous side, symbolizing the girl. Marigolds, often associated with grief, and jealousy, hint at a husband’s suspicion of being replaced. The moonflower, which blooms only at night, symbolizes a love that thrives in secrecy.

(213 words)

REFLECTION

What have I learnt in this module?

Through this module, I was able to learn more about the design principles that create artwork.

What did I enjoy the most?

I enjoyed doing research and analyzing the painting I have chosen, and experimenting with different art styles and brushes to create the final work.

What did I not enjoy the most?

I had a lot of trouble creating my own iteration of the painting I had chosen. I also had trouble rendering and adding lighting and detail to the final design.

What have I learnt about myself through this module?

I learned of the importance of approaching new challenges with confidence and actively exploring my potential.

What has changed and what has not in my learning journey?

This experience has given me a deeper understanding of art, allowing me to analyze and create with more confidence. I feel more open to experimentation and pushing my creative boundaries.

What are my aspirations?

I aspire to improve my creative and design skills to create more designs that more people can enjoy.

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Gwendalyn Firly Bong (0374580)