Heather+Marshall

11/4/2013 - __**Abstract Essay**__



The artist of this piece created interest through use of numerous Gestalt principles, as well as strong color contrast. The color scheme in this piece is not readily apparent; the artist uses black, shades of red and yellow, as well as a very light tint of yellow. These colors help to create interest in the piece because they contrast each other, which places emphasis on the tinted yellow in the center of the piece. Although heavy emphasis is placed on the central figure, the piece is unified through the artist’s use of similarity. The recurring zigzag shape helps to create a sense of unity. Through the use of the zigzag pattern, the artist is also able to create continuation; the viewer follows the pattern from each direction, creating movement within the piece, which is also helped through closure. Overlapping the tinted yellow figure on top of the red/black zigzag pattern causes the viewer to fill in the missing parts of the pattern, and follow different parts through the piece. Lastly, the artist’s use of figure-ground relationship is probably the most interesting part of the piece. Although in broad terms, the red/black/yellow figure is clearly distinct from the dark shade of yellow in the background, however, the figure-ground relationship in the main figure itself is interesting. It is as if there are two pieces in this piece, the red/black zigzag pattern is so strong that in certain places it overtakes the tints of yellow.

10/31/2013 - **__Gesture and Contour Drawings__**

Contour #1: An award-like statue.

Contour #2: My shoe.

Contour #3: Clock.

Contour #4: Sunglasses.

Contour #5: Camel Picture Frame.

Gesture #1: Water Bottle.

Gesture #2: Cup.

Gesture #3: Chair.

Gesture #4: Elephant.

Gesture #5: Lamp.

9/22/2013 - __ **Color Theory Pictures** __

__Analogous (3 colors next to each other on the color wheel):__ These bed sheets contain yellow, yellow-green, green, and blue-green.

This laundry freshener is an example of analogous color system because it consists of yellow, yellow-green, and green.

__Complimentary (colors opposite each other on the color wheel):__ This ad for car batteries is an example of a complimentary color system because it contains red and green.

This amazing musical poster is an example of a complimentary color system by using a vibrant red, and a more muted green.

__Monochromatic (color scheme revolving around 1 color and it's shades and tints):__ This is an example of a monochromatic color system using shades and tints of red.

This is an example of a monochromatic color system using shades and tints of blue.

__Split Complimentary (1 hue and 2 colors next to its complimentary):__ This is an example of a split-complimentary color system because it contains red, yellow-green, and blue-green.

This amazing painting is an example of a split-complimentary color system because it contains red-orange, blue, and green.

Heather Marshall. 8/28/2013 - This is me.

I am a senior History major. I like to think of myself as being decent with computers and software. I don't have tons of experience, but I know the basics. In terms of art, this is my first legitimate art class since 7th grade, so I'm probably a little rusty. I graduated high school from Uganda and my artistic interests include African-inspired art as well as sculptures.

__**Gestalt Principles**__:

Closure: This magazine cover is an example of closure.

Continuity: The blinds are an example of continuity.

Figure Ground: This drawing is an example of figure ground.

Proximity: This arrangement is an example of proximity.

Similarity: This is an example of similarity.