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
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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