The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.
Albert Einstein
These are entries in the Green Pepper Press Street Team. This is a monthly challenge by Michelle Ward. I have not done it before, and just barely am making the deadline this time…or maybe not, depending on your time zone. But, I have been wanting to do it for quite some time.
This month’s challenge was “Portion Control”—showing part of a shape, rather than all of it. This is basically one of the basic graphic design “Gestalt” principles—that your brain “finishes” what it sees of a familiar shape. Thus, something that is hinted at is more interesting than something that is obvious, basically because it intrigues your brain and involves it in the process. If the entire shape is there, your brain just says, “Oh, that’s a circle” and moves on to more interesting things. Your brain enjoys it more if the image is a little mysterious and you have to think about it.
A lot of logos use gestalt principles. Once you become aware of some of the principles you start seeing them everywhere. It’s really interesting.
Anyway, hope you enjoy the artwork. It was fun, and I desperately needed to get out and do some artwork!
11 Comments so far
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I like it very much. Interesting background…takes one into the imagination quite easily… colors great.. I see a story there!
Comment by barbara saint jacques March 1, 2009 @ 6:49 ambecky, welcome to the team! thanks for coming to play! love your pages, and how you explain the gestalt principle. fab figures!!!
Comment by Michelle Ward March 1, 2009 @ 1:37 pmLove the colors in these pieces and the “incomplete” people.
Comment by Judy March 1, 2009 @ 2:51 pmNice! I love how you used the human body in portion control….mysterious…like a spy novel…lovely color combo too!
Comment by Julie Prichard March 2, 2009 @ 9:40 pmWow! Your pages are so lovely, the colours are “make me happy” ones. It’s so good you could join in. Love the sewing pattern peeking through.
Comment by Cath Sheard March 5, 2009 @ 1:13 amI really like the way the bodies fade away and the background is great ,very interesting
Comment by Deb Raymer March 6, 2009 @ 2:31 pmBecky
I really like your portion control piece. The woman figure draws the eye in!
Comment by Arlene Mobley March 6, 2009 @ 4:32 pmThese are so beautiful. TFS
Comment by Daphne March 7, 2009 @ 6:25 amthis is lovely!
Comment by mary March 7, 2009 @ 7:43 ami am more drawn to the color choices…the content is one of more favorite technique displays…well done
Really love your pages! Love the colors, the design and yes, it’s definitely more interesting showing partial shapes. I had no idea it was called Gestalt! Thanks for sharing this and the explaination. ~Nina in San Diego~
Comment by Nina Reeba March 7, 2009 @ 3:14 pmWow, I love them – gorgeous work. I will have to attempt to join a crusade soon!
Comment by Lorri March 19, 2009 @ 8:10 am