BACKGROUND

Figure-ground relationshipsĀ are what let humans recognize objects through vision – distinguishing the subject (figure) from everything around it (background).

geometric constructivist photograph of a concrete stairwell by Aleksandr Rodchenko

ambiguous figure-ground relationship | photo by Aleksandr Rodchenko

a model covered in sheer, dark fabric billowing in the wind, standing alone in a very bright desert

obvious figure-ground relationship | photo by Herb Ritts

Representational images often have an obviousĀ figure-ground relationship – we see the difference between the subject and background clearly.

But figure-ground relationships can be madeĀ ambiguousĀ – making it harder to tell the difference between figure and ground – through the lighting and framing of the image.

 

BRIEF

Take abstract, black-and-white photographs, 3+ with obvious figure-ground relationships, and 3+ with ambiguous figure-ground relationships. Choose an image from each category and recreate them as abstract, black and white paintings.

 

STEP 1: DISCOVER

You will have time in class to explore downtown Brooklyn and find subjects for your photos, using a black-and-white or grayscale filter with your camera app. Keep an eye out for:

  • mechanical or geometric repetition
  • strong contrast between light and dark
  • transparent and reflective surfaces

Take LOTS of pictures. If you find a subject you like, try a few angles. If you’re not sure if something will work, take a picture and find out. The more photos you have, the better your options will be for the next steps – and you can always delete them later.

At the end of this process, choose your top six images:

  • three should show an obvious figure/ground relationship (note that this does not mean the actual subject has to be obvious, just its relationship to the space it occupies in the image)
  • the other three should show an ambiguous figure/ground relationship

Post to OpenLab:

  • Under the “Categories” menu (right hand side), check ā€œProject 1- Lost & Foundā€Ā and, under that categoryĀ ā€œStep 1: Discoverā€.
  • Upload the six images of the objects you discovered on your walk. Group and label them according to “obvious” or “ambiguous”.

 

STEP 2: DRAFT

As homework, makeĀ full-page sketches of all six photos in your sketchbook; spend at least 15 minutes on each one. These sketches are not about being pretty (though that’s always nice) – they are tools to help us analyze, simplify, and recreate an idealized version of the original image’s composition.

Post to OpenLab:

  • Scan or photograph your sketches. If you photograph them, take the photo parallel to the paper (not angled!) and under strong, consistent lighting.
  • Upload these sketches, placing and captioning them in your post.
  • Under the “Categories” menu, check “Project 1 – Lost & Found”Ā andĀ “Step 2: Draft”

 

STEP 3: PAINT

Recreate your top sketches as abstract black-and-white paintings.

Measuring and preparation

  • Measure a roughly 9″ x 12″ area centered on a sheet of bristol board; mask it off with artist’s tape. I recommend taping the sheet of bristol to a drawing board, but it’s not strictly necessary.
  • Prime your paper with a wash made from 3 parts acrylic, 1 part water. Apply in one thin coat to minimize paper warping, allow to thoroughly dry (30 minutes to an hour, depending on thickness). Your wash can be black, white, or gray, depending on your image.
  • Lightly draw the outlines of your sketches on the prepared paper with a hard (4H) graphite pencil.
  • Paint the rest of the composition based on your sketch.
  • Remember, work big to small – start with large areas of color, then smaller ones, and fill details in last. If you make a mistake, wait 30 minutes for it to dry and paint over it.

 

STEP 4: PRESENT & CRITIQUE

Present your paintings mounted on an illustration boards – I will demonstrate this process in class.

  • Buy two 15 x 20″ black illustration boards (or foamcore) and have them cut to 15″ x 12″. This is a free or very low-cost service at most places; you can opt to skip it if not available.
  • Center the page on the board and mark the position of the corners with a pencil.
  • Apply spray mount to the back of your paintings (OUTDOORS!!!) and carefully align the paper with the points marked on the board.
  • Cut a sheet of tracing paper to ~15″ x 20″ (it’s OK to tape multiple sheets together). Align the bottom edge of the paper to the bottom edge of your illustration board, then fold the extra over the top. Tape this to the back of the illustration board; this provides a protective cover for your painting in transit.

Post to OpenLab:

  • Scan or photograph your finished, mounted paintings.
  • Upload the paintings to OpenLab.
  • Write a brief paragraph describing the composition of each image.
  • Under the “Categories” menu, check “Project 1 – Lost & Found”Ā andĀ “Step 4: Present”

DUE DATE: SEPTEMBER 12

 

This project is originally designed by Jenna Spevack. This version was revised by Paula Rennis, then further adapted by Jake Wright.