SPONTANIETY AND ORGANIZATION
Objective

Using full size 18 x 24" drawing sheets create a minimum of 5 spontaneous work sheets using a technique of splatters, drips, and unplanned marks. Grid each page into 2" squares and cut them out.

Composition 1
Create a new 18x24" composition by combining selected 2" squares from the different worksheets. The new composition composed of the random markings must be organized to give it unity/ variety by using value, line, shape or repetition. A particular area of your composition can be given emphasis by using isolation, placement or contrast. Isolation can provide emphasis or even a focal point by focusing the viewers attention on an element that has been separated from others. Placement can be a successful means of creating emphasis if many elements point to one item as in a radial design. Contrast of elements is another means of focusing the viewers attention- when there is an obvious difference in size or value.

Composition 2
Create a second larger composition by selectively choosing one of the smaller 2" squares as a starting point. You may crop this 2" square as you find necessary. (Cropping is not mandatory.) Enlarge the composition by 7 (2 x2 = 14 x 14). The new larger image should be very similar to the smaller one in the beginning. Using logic and afterthought you are to strengthen the new composition. You are to use the strong points of the random marks as well as add line, value, shape, etc. that would make the new composition stronger.

Materials

Ink - brush - pen - tape - glue stick - xacto knife - small containers for ink/ wash- ruler

Procedure

Create 5 pages of random marks using ink, brush, pen and washes. Use spontaneous unplanned calligraphic stokes emphasizing the marks commonly labeled as "mistakes"
(Drips, splatters, runs, etc..). The marks should be organic and non objective. Value, line, shape and repetition will be emphasized as a unifying element.

Sources
Artists known as "Abstract Expressionists" or "Action painters" used similar techniques in creating their work. For more insight look especially to the work of Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, Robert Motherwell, Helen Frankenthaler, and Franz Kline.
( i.e. GO TO THE LIBRARY NOW!)

Email: jdefrese@yahoo.com
ACC Art Department Update: 8/11/2002
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