Thursday, April 14, 2016

5 Design Tips to Advance Your Artwork




I’m sure you’ve noticed the rapidly expanding new level of excellence in today’s glass artists’ creations. As you admire their innovative techniques and dramatic presentations you wonder, what is it that sets their pieces apart from the rest? And more importantly, how do I achieve that level of sophistication myself?

The key to making art that stands out from the rest, is thinking beyond the simple cut, stack and fuse mindset. Exceptional art begins with thoughtful design. By incorporating fundamental art theory concepts, you can quickly and easily advance your artwork to the next level. 

1 Rule of Thirds
Imagine lines, similar to a tic-tac-toe board, super imposed over your project. These lines divide the artwork into three equal parts both vertically and horizontally. If it helps, draw a template on paper. When planning your design, whether it’s a geometric pattern or pictorial in nature, place the key elements of the design on one of the imaginary lines. Or better yet, place the elements where two lines intersect. Positioning your feature subjects off to one side like this creates a pleasing esthetic and desirable tension that draws the viewers’ attention. Avoid placing the main objects exactly in the center of your artwork. It’s boring, and we don’t do sleepers. 

 
2 Create a Focal Point
All art, no matter what medium you choose, benefits from having a central theme the viewer can hold on to. In a literal or pictorial type of design the dominant feature may be an airplane, a butterfly or the end of a winding woodland path. In an abstract style design, the focal point can be implied by introducing an unexpected shape, by using a bold color or with the addition of an ornate pattern. Whatever your focal point may be, capture and retain the viewers’ attention by placing it off to one side. 

3 Work in Odd Numbers
Think three, five and nine when introducing subject matter to your design. If your focal point is a flower use an uneven number of blossoms. Designing this way creates stimulating compositions that are more memorable. 

4 Place Design Elements in a Triangular Fashion
Engage the viewer, entice them to move their eye around your artwork by positioning design elements in a triangular fashion. This method of design retains the viewers’ attention longer resulting in a more personal connection to your work as a whole. 


5 Repeat Shapes
Create continuity by repeating shapes. For example, if you use a circle shape in one place in your design repeat that shape in at least two other places. For the most effective composition, place the shapes in a triangular pattern.  

There’s a lot more to great artwork than meets the eye. But if you start incorporating these design concepts, even in small doses, you’ll immediately be rewarded with more sophisticated pieces. Fine-tuning your approach to glass will only improvement the visual value of your work.   

Until next time, keep on fusing!
Lisa

Two NEW Workshops at
D&L Art Glass Supply in Denver, CO

Here’s your personal invitation to develop your own design style!

Join me for two, all new in-depth, 2-day, hands-on workshops at
D&L Art Glass Supply in Denver, CO.
June 13 – 16, 2016. The classes are open to everyone, not just wholesale buyers.
I hope to see YOU there!

Register here
Check out the video here!

 
Take it to the Next Level – Advanced Mixed Technique 2-Day Workshop, June 13-14, 2016
Rekindle your passion to explore and take your glass fusing to exciting new heights!  In this advanced technique driven workshop, Lisa will show you how taking new approaches to glass selection, construction, firing temperatures and design, will grow the scope of your creativity and greatly advance the quality of your work. Techniques include Lisa’s ground breaking new Free-Flow process for artful color blends plus: weaving, kiln combing, constructing organic shapes, embellishing with embossing, dramatic shading with frit and creative slumping.
  


Breaking Through – Making Exhibition Quality Artwork 2-Day Workshop, June 15-16, 2016
Creating your own stunning emotive art, that engages the viewer to the point of blissful distraction is within reach.  In this in-depth workshop focused on making exhibition quality artwork you’ll learn how to take your thriving glass talent and catapult it forward. You’ll learn how to design thoughtful compositions, how to mix colors to create drama, how to get noticed with pattern, how to stimulate with texture, and how to combine abstract techniques for innovative works of fused glass art.

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