Patterning and Abstractions

Research

Abstractions and Image Analysis

15 abstractions of images from human-made objects.

Transfer of Abstraction Sketches to Adobe Illustrator

I created shapes in illustrator out of 5 of my original abstraction sketches to use in my final mandala.

Abstraction from the center mechanism on a bike wheel.

Abstraction from the tread on a bike tire.

Abstraction from the mechanism on a bike that connects the pedal to the bike.

Exercises

3×3 Square Composition

First iteration of combining 2 abstractions into the same 3×3 composition.

Second iteration of combining 2 abstractions into the same 3×3 composition.

Third iteration of combining 2 abstractions into the same 3×3 composition.

9×9 composition using the combined 3×3 composition from my second iteration in order to create a repetitive pattern

9×9 composition using the combined 3×3 composition from my third iteration in order to create a repetitive pattern.

After looking back on my 3×3 and 9×9 compositions, I realized I just placed two separate abstractions into the same square instead of combining the two forms together to create something new. I chose two of my shapes in illustrator that looked like their shapes/curves would combine well and worked to integrate them into a single composition by layering.

Iterations

Grid Design

3 New Radial Grids (symmetrical/asymmetrical, circular, or new grid shape)

Iteration 1, created using repeated 9in. circles.

Iteration 2, created using repeated 12in. circles.

Testing Illustrator Tools

First time playing with the radial tool when inserting one of my abstractions.

Combining of multiple abstractions in an attempt to create movement.

Placing of the previous combination into one of the grids to see how the movement could expand into another layer of the mandala.

First Iteration of Mandala

Mandala Draft (Original Final Before Feedback)

Final Mandala Design

After receiving feedback on my mandala draft, I decided to focus on arranging my abstractions in a way that emphasizes the principle of movement. I organized the abstract elements in a way that creates movement throughout the mandala as a whole as well as between each element, creating a cohesive design.

Adding Value to Final Mandala Design

Color Schemes

Color scheme iterations done in Adobe Color.

Color Palette Tests In Mandala

These two color palettes were created based on color schemes we discussed in the PowerPoints during class. However, when adding the colors to my mandala pattern, I struggled to create a meaningful visual impact. This led me to choosing my final color schemes based on concepts related to my mandala, instead of ones I simply thought were visually pleasing.

Production

Final Color Schemes

Final Mandala

Analogous Color Scheme. First, I chose the color red directly from my abstraction of a berry, then chose 4 analogous colors to create a color palette. I specifically organized the colors to create movement and move the viewer’s eye around the mandala from color to color

Complementary Color Scheme. When finding meaning within my mandala, I saw the background shapes (which were created by negative space) as water and the abstract elements in the foreground as land. When choosing a color scheme to further convey the ocean theme, I picked hues of blue and orange which are complementary colors.

Furthering My Exploration

I felt that my designs conveyed the principle of movement and the meanings behind the mandalas effectively. However, I felt that there were a few other changes I could make in order to further explore how the analogous color scheme can affect the visual impact of my mandala design. Instead of moving the viewer’s eyes around the circular mandala, I organized the colors to create movement from the center focal point to the elements on the outside edges of the design.

Movement from orange in the center to pink on the edges.

Movement from pink in the center to orange on the edges.

Additionally, when I did my original color palette tests in my mandala, I chose to use a blue analogous color scheme because blue is my favorite color. I still enjoyed the visual of this color palette, so I decided to explore how I could use it in my design to emphasize the same principle of movement.

PDF of Final

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