DESIGN PRINCIPLES - TASK 2: VISUAL ANALYSIS
17/02/2025 - 09/03/2025 / Week 3 - Week 5
Begimbaeva Aidina / 0380489
Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Task 2 : Visual Analysis
LECTURES
Week 3
Topic 6: Visual Analysis
Visual analysis is a method of studying design that focuses on its visual elements and principles. It involves looking at and explaining visual structure in detail without considering external factors. This approach helps in understanding the decisions a designer has made while creating a work.
This skill plays an important role in visual literacy, allowing people to perceive and analyze images in a deeper way. In today's world, where we are exposed to content on social media on a daily basis, the ability to critically evaluate visual information becomes especially valuable.
Visual analysis involves three key steps:
1. Observation
In this stage, it is important to take a close look at the design and highlight its main visual elements. You need to describe them in detail in your own words, without relying on external sources. Carefulness, the ability to think analytically, and the ability to accurately articulate your observations are important here.
2. Analysis
Once observations have been collected, it is necessary to analyze them and draw conclusions about the work based on the data collected. It is important to understand how the individual elements fit together to create a composition and how this affects the viewer's perception. It is also worth paying attention to how the eye moves through the image and explaining why this happens using knowledge of design principles.
3. Interpretation
In the last stage, the collected observations and analysis are supplemented with verified information about the work, its historical context and meaning. It is important to understand why the work was created and what message it conveys.
For this task, we analyzed and documented the design chosen in Task 1. Our goal was to examine its composition, identify key design principles, and assess elements such as size, placement, purpose, and overall effectiveness.
Following the visual analysis, we applied our understanding of design principles to develop three alternative concepts aimed at enhancing the original design. Each idea was accompanied by a description and a rationale explaining the suggested improvements.
Observations
The artwork is in a portrait format, depicting a scenic coastal view framed by an open window. The foreground is filled with blooming pink roses in terracotta pots, while the background showcases a bright blue sea with small sailboats, a rocky coastline, and distant mountains. The sky is clear, with soft white clouds scattered across. The color palette consists of warm earthy tones mixed with cool blues, creating a balanced and inviting atmosphere. The painting technique mimics traditional oil painting, with visible brushstrokes adding texture. Light and shadow are carefully used to enhance depth, making the scene appear realistic and immersive.
Analysis
The composition is symmetrically balanced, with the window frame serving as a natural border that guides the viewer's eye toward the sea. The contrast between the detailed foreground and the softer background creates a sense of depth and perspective. The focal points are the pink roses and the open window leading to the vast ocean, symbolizing freedom and tranquility. The design principles used include harmony, as the warm and cool tones are well-balanced, and depth, achieved through layering elements from foreground to background. The repetition of floral elements and the textured brushstrokes add to the artwork's unity and visual appeal.
Balance - the painting has a symmetrical composition due to the open window that divides the image into two parts. However, the foreground elements (flowers) create a slightly asymmetrical balance, adding interest.
Focus (Emphasis) - The viewer's eye is immediately drawn to the open window, which creates a natural frame that directs attention to the seascape. The flower pots also accentuate the foreground.
Movement of the gaze - the gaze first falls on the window and flowers, then moves to the water, the ships and finally goes to the rocky shore. Linear perspective is used: the lines of the window and horizon direct the eye inside the composition.
Rhythm - repetitive elements such as sailboats on the water and potted flowers create a sense of rhythm and harmony.
Contrast - warm pink flowers in the foreground contrast with the cool blue hues of the water, creating depth and dynamics.
Unity and harmony - soft strokes and a similar color palette unite all elements, making the painting whole and peaceful.
Interpretation
This digital painting, Tranquil Coastal Escape in Oil Painting, by Nicolas AQO, conveys a sense of peace and escapism. The open window can symbolize opportunities, dreams, or a longing for adventure beyond the familiar. The blooming flowers represent beauty and vitality, while the serene ocean view evokes calmness and relaxation. The purpose of this artwork may be to transport viewers to a dreamlike setting, allowing them to momentarily escape reality. The traditional oil painting style enhances its nostalgic and romantic feel, making it a compelling piece for emotional and aesthetic appreciation.
References
AQO, N. (2020). Tranquil Coastal Escape in Oil Painting. Digital Illustration.
IDEATION
Visual References
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| Figure 1.1 Image #1 |
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| Figure 1.2 Image #2 |
Source:
Idea Exploration
SKETCHES
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| Figure 1.6 Sketch #1 |
Sketch #1
Through the pose of the character one can see her pensive and desire to touch something distant, perhaps unattainable. The window becomes not just an architectural element, but a metaphor of choice: to stay in the familiar space or to make a step towards the new.
The lines of the drawing are smooth, which emphasizes the lightness and dreaminess of the mood. The atmosphere of romance, coziness and light nostalgia is created by the arches, interior details and soft landscape outside the window.
Design Principles
- Emphasis: The main focus is the girl artist.
- Movement: The lines of the drawing lead the eye from the brush to the landscape, creating a sense of the creative process.
- Balance: The symmetrical arrangement of the window frames the protagonist, harmonizing the artist's inner world with the outer landscape.
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| Figure 1.7 Sketch #2 |
This drawing depicts a girl sitting in front of an open curtain, admiring the sunset over the sea. Next to her is a cat, their poses convey a sense of peace, contemplation and unity with nature. The setting sun, clouds and light waves create an atmosphere of nostalgia and dreaminess.
A sailboat in the distance symbolizes a path, a journey or the possibility of new beginnings. Its small size compared to the overall composition emphasizes the feeling of endless space and freedom. The girl is looking into the distance, which may reflect her reflections, aspiration for something new or a state of inner peace.
Design Principles
- Emphasis: The main focus is on the girl and her cat. Their pose and the direction of their gaze lead the viewer further towards the sea and the sunset.
- Movement: The viewer's eye naturally follows from the characters to the horizon line, then to the sailboat, creating a sense of depth and expanse.
- Framing: The curtains act as a visual frame, emphasizing the central part of the composition.
- Balance: The pattern is balanced - the curtains at the edges create symmetry, while the positioning of the girl and cat balances the composition.
- Contrast: The dark lines of the curtains and silhouettes of the characters contrast with the lighter and airier lines of the landscape, creating dynamism in the image.
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| Figure 1.8 Sketch #3 |
Sketch #3
This drawing conveys the atmosphere of morning Paris captured through the open window frame. The Eiffel Tower rises in the center of the composition, creating a sense of romance and charm of the French capital.
A cup of hot coffee and an appetizing cake are depicted in the foreground, the steam from which rises upwards, enhancing the cozy and warm atmosphere. Next to them lies a vintage camera, hinting at traveling, photography and the desire to capture beautiful moments.
Design Principles
- Focus and perspective: The open window creates a natural frame for the scene, directing the viewer's gaze from the cozy breakfast to the majestic tower.
- Harmony of Details: The camera, coffee, cake and roses are combined in one composition, creating a balance between cozy and adventurous spirit.
- Lines and Style: Light, sketchy strokes give the drawing an air of spontaneity, as if it were a sketch from a traveler's personal journal.
Week 4:
In week four, I worked on improving my sketch, but realized that I needed to include more references to increase accuracy and detail. I will focus on gathering relevant images to enhance the composition. In addition, I will fill in blank areas to make the design more complete. Another important aspect is adding references to the sources of the images I used, which will ensure proper attribution and organization. In the future, I will pay more attention to these details to improve my work.
Week 5:
In Week 5, Miss advised me to add descriptions to each image so that it would be clear which text referred to which picture. She also recommended that I number the images to avoid confusion. In addition, she asked me to complete the source list by adding any missing references. Miss also pointed out that my drawing of the girl in the first sketch was copied and asked me to redraw it myself. I also need to complete the third sketch.
REFLECTIONS
Experience:
I have learned to consciously apply design principles when sketching. When I sketch, I now realize how important it is to consider balance, contrast and rhythm to make the work look cohesive. I have also learned how to analyze works of art in terms of their compositional structure, which helps me better perceive visual language and use it meaningfully in my work.
Observations:
I have noticed that without a clear understanding of design principles, an image can lose expressiveness and meaning. For example, if the accents or proportions are not correct, the viewer's eye will not be guided to the main element. I also realized that it is important to pay attention to empty space and rhythm to make the work look harmonious.
Findings:
Through this assignment, I realized how important it is to not just apply design principles, but to do so in a meaningful way. I now not only consider composition and structure, but also strive to give my designs depth and meaning. This experience has helped me to better understand how small changes in composition can have a significant impact on the perception of a work.
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