TASK 2 (Visual Analysis & Ideation)

 Task 2: visual analysis and ideation

Yousef Elwakil (0379720)                           GCD 60804 / Design Principles/ Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (HONS) / Taylors University 

Table of Contents

• Task 2- Visual Analysis and ideation
• Task Recap

Task Recap

In Task 2, I will have to carry out a visual analysis of the design which I chose in Task 1. This assignment is aimed at analyzing the visual components and design principles employed in the piece of art including balance, contrast, emphasis, repetition, movement and unity. By closely observing and analyzing I will research through the way the elements of the design are positioned and how it directs the eyes of the viewer. I shall also look at the intention and efficiency of the design to communicate the intended message.

Once I have analysed the chosen work, I will come up with three new design ideas based on it. The concepts will use the principles of design taught in the module and attempt to investigate my creative interpretation. The objectives of this task are the promotion of a better understanding of the visual communication and the practice of the transformation of the inspiration of an existing design into the original design ideas.

1.0 Chosen ArtWork 

                 

Fig 1.1 Selected design, 

Title: Valley of the Moon

Designer’s Name: Paul Yoon

Year: 2023

Size: unlisted

Medium: illustration

Source: https://dadushin.com/Valley-of-the-Moon

1.1 Reasoning for the selected design 

In this assignment, I have chosen a night landscape painting with a small, lonely person sitting amid the rocks in front of a great mountain and a bright star. I have used this work due to the delicate but effective application of composition, proportion, and tonal harmony. Despite the fact that colour palette is raised mainly to deep blue colour, the artist successfully applies contrast of light and dark to create emphasis and direction of vision.

The light illuminated figure and the bright star are points of focus in the composition. The fact that they are placed on a darker background brings a contrast and emotional focus. The large disparity between the human form and the immense mountain creates high proportion expressing feeling of loneliness and magnificence.

The flow of motion is smoothly accomplished by the misty diagonal movement, which leads the viewer to the mountain peak as the foreground rocks slowly guide his or her gaze towards the mountain peak and ultimately to the star. The natural textures, repeated in the rocks and the trees, help to make the rhythm and structural unity. The reserved colour scheme also enhances harmony and unity in the work of art.

Overall, this piece of art can be analyzed through several principles of design in a sophisticated and subtle way, which is why it can be included in this assignment.

The design principles seen in this work are as follows:

• Equilibrium and Coherence: The limited palette of blue colour creates visual consistency and emotional unity across the composition.

• Movement: The mist and slow changes in tone lead the eye to go diagonally from the foreground to the mountain and the star.

• Emphasis: The figure of light is a point of interest because of its contrast with the dark background of the setting.

• Contrast: Light and dark values create depth and bring out the figure in the landscape.

• Balance: The visual weight of the mountain (the mountain) is balanced by the placement of the star and the foreground items, even though the composition is asymmetrical.

• Proportion: The difference in scale between the mountain and the human figure serves to underline the theme of human smallness in nature.

• Gestalt Principle (Figure-Ground): The figure has a distinct silhouette that is easily distinguished against the background, and the perception of figures and ground in the image is strong.

2.0 Visual Analysis 

The chosen design is in clear and visual stimulating composition. The first thing that the viewer catches the eye of is the main component of the design that is the focal point. The design looks organised and balanced with the visual objects positioned in a manner that directs the eyes of the viewer through the composition. The design incorporates a mixture of shapes, colour and lines that form a structure that is well structured and attractive. The colour palette happens to be purposeful and managed, with some colours being more vivid than others, which brings about contrast and visual appeal. There is the use of lines and shapes throughout the composition which contributes to the definition of the forms and adds motion in the composition.

Taking a closer look, one can see a number of design principles. The design has an evident element of emphasis via the arrangement of the central visual element and its size that instantly draws the attention of the viewer. There is also balance in the composition since the visual elements seem to be evenly distributed in the layout. This forms a harmonious and stable structure of visuals. The repetition may be noticed in terms of the reuse of shapes, patterns, or colours that take place in various regions of the design. This repetition assists in the unification of the composition and brings on a rhythm. Movement is implied by the direction of the lines or the way elements are placed so that the viewer follows a natural movement of the eyes all around the design.

There is also unity and harmony in the overall composition, where the visual elements in the composition do not seem separate, but instead are in a unified state. The visual hierarchy of the design is enhanced through the use of contrast of colours, shapes, or sizes. Consequently, the viewer can easily identify the elements that are the most important and the secondary ones.

The design in question seems to convey a clear visual message regarding its meaning and purpose, and it also seems to be aesthetically appealing. The deliberate composition of the visuals can be interpreted as the fact that the designer applied the design principles with the purpose of directing the gaze of a viewer and improving the efficacy of the composition. Altogether, the design manages to merge visual elements and principles to generate a systematic, diverse, and significant visual experience for the viewer.

3.0 Ideas Generated

3.1 Sketch 1:

Fig 1.2 sketch 1

This idea examines the colour contrast and motion through alteration of original blue palette to a vivid red palette. The increasing smoke of the mountain provides a vertical movement which makes the eye of the viewer to rise up to the moon. The contrast of colours is dramatic in highlighting the intensity of emotion and the inner struggle of the main character.

3.2 Sketch 2:

Fig 1.3 sketch 2

This idea deals with contrast and emphasis by use of warm streetlight against the cool blue night atmosphere. The presence of light gives a good focal point to the main character and the fact that the ground is reflected supports the theme of self-reflection. The urban environment brings out a more modern and secluded appearance.

3.3 Sketch 3:

fig 1.4 sketch 3

This idea deals with contrast and emphasis by use of warm streetlight against the cool blue night atmosphere. The presence of light gives a good focal point to the main character and the fact that the ground is reflected supports the theme of self-reflection. The urban environment brings out a more modern and secluded appearance.

4.0 Feedback

5.0 Reflection

Experience

In general, this assignment was a new and exciting experience as I do not tend to draw and do visual designs. It also pushed me out of my comfort zone and attempted at coming up with ideas by sketching. Although I did not have much experience with drawing, I liked trying various ideas and attempting to visualize the ideas in my mind.

Observation

The completion of the visual analysis assisted me in the knowledge that artworks are constructed on the basis of various design principles: contrast, balance, emphasis, and unity. Observation, analysis, and interpretation helped me to see the artwork more closely and realize how every visual element of the image relates to the composition.

Findings

This assignment allowed me to learn that not just sophisticated drawing skills are necessary to be creative. Rather, it is the visual communication of ideas and emotions. The creation of the sketches enabled me to use my creativity and develop ideas due to my imagination alone, which made the process both difficult and rewarding.