Big Gay Brunch

Alright! Here is my first set of assignments for PH612

• Read: Design Basics, “Emphasis and Focal Point,” pp. 49-60; “Balance,” pp. 81-102
• Read: A Primer of Visual Literacy, pp. 20-38
• Assignment 2.1: Balance and Emphasis
  Create a balanced photograph that uses emphasis. In the Class Discussion, explain in detail the kind of emphasis it uses and whether it leans towards leveling or sharpening. Then explain why you made the decisions you did in the context of the overall expression.
• Assignment 2.2: Figure/Ground Reversal
  Create one image where there is either figure/ground reversal or figure/ground ambiguity.

My notes from reading on Emphasis:

• Gain attention using focal point(s)
• Emphasis (creating a focal point) by contrast
• Emphasis by isolation
• Emphasis by placement
• Emphasis with the use of a strong element
• Maintaining unity with a focal point
• Emphasis of the whole over the parts (no focal point)

In general, the principle of unity and the creation of a harmonious pattern with related elements is more important than the injection of a focal point if this point would jeopardize the design’s unity.

My notes from reading on balance:

• Balance is important, lack of balance is disturbing
• We assume a center vertical axis in pictorial balance
  • This center axis works as a fulcrum and the
  • sidea achieve a sense of equilibrium.
• Balance is a universal aim of composition
• Imbalance can create visual tension in an image

Types of Balance

• Bilateral symmetry (think of the body)
• Formal balance – - conscious symmetrical repetition
  • Permanence
  • Strength
  • Unification
  • Stability
• Symmetry
  • In nature
  • For emphasis
• Assymmetrical Balance
  • Informal balance
  • Planned asymmetry
• Balance by value and color
  • Value – contrast of light and dark
  • Color – small bright vs. large neutral
• Texture and Pattern
  • Small textured shape can balance a larger untextured shape
  • Small complicated shape can balance a large, stable, shape
• Chrystallographic balance
  • allover pattern

Leveling and sharpening

• Harmony and stabuility are polarities of the visually unexpected and stressful in composition
• Visual ambiguity obscurescompositional intent and meaning
• The eye favors the lower-left

More on Balance and grouping

• With shapes, Irregular attracts over the regular
• Attraction and grouping
  • Opposite repels and similiar attracts
• The eye favors the lower-left

The discussion of positive and negative seem to be more alligned to the discussion of figure / ground in the Design Basics book.