1. Research
At the start of this project, I searched up for few examples of mandalas.
For the color theory research, I read through the ppt and pdf and listened the presentation from another instructor.
Activity 1
The first activity is to create abstractions from nature and artificial objects. I didn’t really work out the Sketchbook: images become blur as zoomed them and sketches are also blur. \
Exercise 1: Pattern
I used abstractions from CPU and annual rings of tree trunk to create pattern. I chose them, because they all have line alignments. However, the pattern didn’t really work out as I tried to use harmony as design principle.
2. Iterations
Before creating mandala pattern, a guiding grid should be created. However, I was not sure about how to create a grid, so I used basic line and shapes to experiment.
I chose grid below as the start for my mandala.
I started to put abstractions in and used radial tool to see what will look like, but I had trouble with connecting different parts together and create structure. As the iterations kept going, I removed circle lines and arranged abstractions in angles to imply flow line.
The mandala pattern became had more movements, but the connections between different parts are still off. I continue to experiment with combining abstractions into new shapes and tried to make every abstraction relate to each other.
Adding Value
When applying values, I was thinking about making the big combined abstractions as visual focus. So, I added more values to it. I also use different values at outer layer to create step-by -step effect in order to strengthen the movement.
Color
I started to play around the colors and applied them into mandala. I simply applied colors instead of using colors at different values at first. After taking advice from group discussion, I applied stronger value to show the focus and contrast.
For the final mandala, I decided to choose complementary and analogous as color harmony.
3. Production
Overall, I was struggling with making connections between abstractions. I learned color theory, knowing how to use colors and making the whole composition harmony. I think there could be more improvements on the structure and experimenting new shapes.
