After trying several temporary background colors, I decided to make one side white and one side red.
I started with a new temporary background. The purpose of this is so I don’t have to compose against my pure white design wall. It helps me visualize.
This was first stab at a new composition. I could see that I’d be able to create lots of energy, thanks to the sharp angles and high value contrasts.
But again, it seemed like the green squares against the white were, once again, taking over.
I removed them and liked them better. (Note: most of the green shapes are just folded and pinned in place. This works well for auditioning ideas. I’ll delay cutting fabrics until I’m convinced about what needs to happen.)
I removed all the squares. That helped immensely in the top half, but I thought the bottom portion looked a little naked.
I added some squares against the red and I liked the effect.
Art quiz: why did I previously decide to remove green squares from a red background, but here I’ve just added them back? Answer in P.S.
Next it was time for actual construction. It was time to remove those temporary background fabrics and switch in the ones that I’d need. In this photo I had just finished the first few red seams in the lower section.
I’ll need to go slowly, select the right fabrics, and figure out how to “tetris” this whole thing together. I imagine it will be a little challenging, but I think it will be fun too!
Ellen Lindner
P.S. Answer to art quiz: It goes back to the fact that contrasts in value always attract attention. In my last post I showed you how the green squares were taking over against the red. That’s because of the value contrast between them. But, in this post I added those greens squares right back to the red bottom. That’s because everything affects everything else. When I change the background to white I created VERY strong value contrasts between the sharp red shapes and the white background. Therefore, they attract attention. The contrast between red and green is now secondary and not as noticeable. Remember, when you make one change you often need to make another.
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