Simplifying forms: a helpful tool for Analysis and Understanding
Using simple shapes, I have reduced the following drawings by Mark Shultz (left hand side of page) to the essence of their compositions in order to better see and understand the compositional decisions made by the artist.
The "paper cut-out" composition studies (located to the right of each drawing) were created in Illustrator.
Analysis after completing study
Lower value range (lower contrast) implies that this is underwater (where light range is limited). Forms moving slowly from left to right. Repetition of rectangular forms (fish) creates unity. Two fish (forms) in light value in upper middle seem to be important to create value balance with the mermaid form. Varying values of fish (background fish less dark) show depth via atmospheric perspective. Diminishing scale of fish forms also suggest depth.
Analysis after completing study
Strong triangular composition which creates stability and may even imply that this figure (and his troupe) are strong and stable themselves. The larger black form on the left is balanced by the several smaller black forms on the right. If the forms on the right seem to be heavier than the larger black form on the left, the diagonal black line on the figure (bow strung across the figure's back) helps to balance this. Also the light valued lizard's head in the lower center leans to the left also serving as a balancing form.
Analysis after completing study
The strong black triangle and the several light gray slanted veticals all create a sense of motion to the right, suggesting the riders on the horse are moving quickly. The large white/light gray body form of the dragon contrasts and balances that rightward movement of the trees and black triangle form. The rightward twist of the dragon's head implies a quick movement back toward the escaping riders. A few small light gray branches help to counterbalance the general rightward sweep of the tree forms. The black active rock form in the lower left also helps to balance the general rightward movement of the riders, the trees, and the black triangle in the lower right.
Extra Study
The paper-cut out tool and switching an image to black and white is also helpful in analyzing images in color. The painting (The Tribe Kids) and poem below are by Lane BrownThe slim girl often won our foot races,
She would always look back just to see our faces.
Our race this morning was near complete,
when the water began to churn beneath our feet.
She mistook our warning cries for cheers,
A tragedy which left us all in tears.
Analysis after completing study
The value range is more limited than I originally realized. Chroma (color intensity), instead of value change, is used to make the human figures pop out. Our eyes follow the figures through the painting due to this higher chroma. The highlights on the snakes body help to pull our eye from the left around to the lower center then to the right. The direction of the shape of the snake's head points us back to the figures (main female figure). The posing (crouching, hunching, standing) of the figures creates a line that goes from the left figure to the figure on the top of the rock, then to the main girl's figure. A darker value is used behind the figure on the topmost rock and behind the head of the snake to make both of them pop.
The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.