PROBLEM: To paint a portrait with fractured SPACE which produces RHYTHM/REPETITION and a sense of MOVEMENT along with a good sense of VALUE. Students should have a general understanding of Cubism (Picasso) and the photograph collages of David Hockney. For more information on Movements involving fractured space see our BLOG.

MATERIALS: 4 to 6 photos, illustration board (15x20"), 1 sheet bristol, scissors, exacto knife, ruler, acrylic paint, brushes etc.

PROCEDURE: 

1. Graduated (blended) value scale (on 3x15" Illustration Board). This is for paint practice and source of values.

2. PHOTO COLLAGE: Cut photos into 1" squares. Draw a grid in pencil on 9x12" Bristol Board - 6 rows horizontal and 5 rows vertical. Borders should be 3" on sides and 2.5" top and bottom. Label the rows across 1 through 6, vertically a through e. Now begin to compose the cut pieces into an abstract working composition on this grid. Consider contrast in value to create an interesting rhythm/repetition, a sense of movement and good figure/ground relationships. Try to keep the sense of a portrait that is in movement (flux). NOTE: THIS STEP REQUIRES CLASS PARTICIPATION FOR FEEDBACK AND DISCUSSION ABOUT COMPOSITIONAL CHOICES.

3. PAINTED PORTRAIT COMPOSITION: On 15x17" Illustration Board, draw a frame lightly in pencil that measures 10x14" (2 1/2" borders all around). Subdivide the frame into 2" squares. Copy one square at a time from step #2 into acrylic paint paying special attention to issues of VALUE and EMPHASIS. Blending will be demonstrated in class.

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GRADE BREAKDOWN:
photos - light quality/on time = 10%
composition (includes individual class discussions) = 20%
Portrait Composition (including value scale and source photos) = 60%
Critique - active participation = 10%