2.4: Planning a Series of Drawings
- Page ID
- 341330
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Planning a series of drawings, or "Works in a Series," means systematically creating a collection of artworks united by a shared theme, concept, or style. This involves conceptualizing the idea, researching, sketching, structuring the series, establishing visual cohesion, executing the artwork, and reflecting on the results. Through deliberate planning, artists develop a cohesive narrative or aesthetic thread that connects the individual works, allowing them to explore complex ideas and create a compelling visual experience for viewers
Selecting an Idea or Concept
When planning a series, choose a theme that resonates with you and offers opportunities for exploration
and creativity. It should be broad or specific but allow for a deep dive into its various aspects.
For example, if you are passionate about exploring the concept of time, you can break it down into smaller aspects such as seasons, moments, or historical periods. Once you have your theme, consider how each piece will contribute to it while also fitting together visually. This could involve experimenting with different color palettes, compositions, or stylistic elements to establish coherence across the series. If you are creating a series on seasons, you might use warm, vibrant colors for summer and cool, muted tones for winter to create a visual progression. 33
As you create your artwork, feel free to experiment with different techniques and materials to bring your vision to life. Whether you enjoy graphite, charcoal, digital drawing, or mixed media, let your chosen medium enhance the thematic elements of your series. Pay attention to details like value, color, textures, or digital effects to further strengthen the series' cohesion.
Structuring the Series
Balancing consistency and variation in a drawing series is crucial for creating compelling and coherent artwork. Recurring motifs, unified color palettes, and consistent techniques are essential for ensuring cohesion. For example, using a consistent set of colored pencils or inks can evoke a unified atmosphere, while maintaining uniform line quality or shading techniques can reinforce the theme.
However, variation is important to keep the series engaging. Different compositions, perspectives, and focal points add visual interest, preventing monotony. For instance, varying between close-up details and broader scenes within the same thematic series can create a dynamic viewing experience. Techniques like combining different drawing media—such as pencil, ink, and color markers—can introduce layers of texture and complexity. Varying subject matter within a cohesive framework, such as depicting different
aspects of urban life like bustling streets, quiet parks, and intimate indoor scenes, balances unity and diversity.
Creating a balanced body of work involves careful planning. Artists can achieve this balance by using similar themes, colors, and techniques while also introducing variety in compositions, techniques, and subjects. This balance enhances the overall appeal and depth of the artwork, providing the audience with a harmonious yet engaging experience.