Tag: Rhythm

Prototype 01

March 6, 2017 / Zhang Longfei / 0 Comments

Video sequences

Below is the visual sequences in the video: simplicity to complex, to Simplicity again

“The Thing” is an experimental and generative video art with the use of simple chemical reaction in milk, which depicts an alien’s lifecycle abstractly. The autonomous chemistry not only creates chaos and but also free imagination based on individual’s experience and background.

In this stage, the proposed work, in URL link below, is prototype 1, not final and still in the process. The design treatment and editing are going to be more polished in the final work.

Prototype 01

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FIRST DAY OF SHOOTING

February 18, 2017 / Zhang Longfei / 2 Comments

Before starting actual filming, I went down art friend and supermarket to purchase acrylic, food color, milk, cups and ect.

Because I couldn’t find very liquid acrylic. Instead, I have to dilute the paint by myself. And I also prepare food color to try out, as I had the experience of mixing milk and food color before and want to see which medium is better.

Oli is to create bubbles and resemble alien’s big eyes. And dish soup like a catalytic agent is able to spread out the paint and create movement.

In the end, I kind find out that food color is actually better than acrylic paint, in terms of saturation and effect. Acrylic paint intends to sink down and after dropping in dish soup, the color will not be as saturated. But acrylic paint can create minimalistic kind of effect which is also usable.

I also noticed that I need to started small with one or two color, because after a while, the all the colors started to blend and became ugly. After mixing too many colors, it become messy and ugly.

After Effects Composition

All forms are composed in After Effects by simple masking and mirroring effects. I also inverted the color of footages to match my styleframes and moodboard.

Screenshots from After Effects composition

Motion Composition for testing on media wall

Next step, I will film more footages next week and try out adding some visual effects

NURSERY RHYME

October 6, 2015 / Zhang Longfei / 0 Comments

Final

HUMPTY DUMPTY HAD A GREAT FALL.

Solution:

Frame 1 humorously resembles a scene from movie ‘Matrix’ , while bringing contrast to convey a depth and creating a downwards movement by repeating the subjects.

In Frame 2, the repeated trees are arranged around a central point, directing along different scales, to create a swirling movement towards the main character.

SKETCH DEVELOPMENT

Frame 1

HUMPTY DUMPTY HAD A GREAT FALL.

Frame 2

HUMPTY DUMPTY HAD A GREAT FALL.

ALL THE KING’S HORSES AND ALL THE KING’S MEN.

SOLUTION:

In Frame 1, horses and knights are arranged in radial balance from small to big size, which gives a distinct focal point to King’s throne.

Frame 2 and 3 demonstrate repetition and patterns in a random way. Different subjects are contrasted in size, position and rotation, bringing dynamism into the layout.

SKETCH DEVELOPMENT

Frame 1

ALL THE KING’S HORSES AND ALL THE KING’S MEN.

FRAME 2

ALL THE KING’S HORSES AND ALL THE KING’S MEN.

FRAME 3

ALL THE KING’S HORSES AND ALL THE KING’S MEN.

GOULDN’T PUT HUMPTY TOGETHER AGAIN.

SOLUTION:

The main subject is broken into pieces, creating various shapes. Harmoniously all shapes unites into a brand-new piece, which creates a sense of completeness.

SKETCH DEVELOPMENT

Frame 1

GOULDN’T PUT HUMPTY TOGETHER AGAIN.

Frame 2

GOULDN’T PUT HUMPTY TOGETHER AGAIN.

Frame 3

GOULDN’T PUT HUMPTY TOGETHER AGAIN.

THE COW JUMPED OVER THE MOON.

SOLUTION:

Frame 1 and 2 depicts a cow orbiting a plate, contrasted by different size, in an asymmetrical layout.

Frame 3 demonstrates cows riding on the moon and flying to the sky in an symmetrical way, while contrasted by reversing color.

SKETCH DEVELOPMENT

Frame 1

THE COW JUMPED OVER THE MOON.

Frame 2

THE COW JUMPED OVER THE MOON.

Frame 3

THE COW JUMPED OVER THE MOON.

THERE WAS AN OLD WOMAN WHO LIVED IN A SHOE.

Solution:

Frame 1 demonstrates a flow of shoes flying towards a woman, who is in the upper third of layout. And white space casts on the main elements as if the light is shining through a open door, which makes the composition more cinematic.

Sketch Development

Frame 1

THERE WAS AN OLD WOMAN WHO LIVED IN A SHOE.

SHE HAD SO MANY CHILDREN SHE DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO.

Solution:

Frame 1 and 2 are exploring different spatial composition.

Frame 1 depicts a direction from bottom to top and mimic the explosion from a small point to the entire filled up space. It demonstrates contrast by silhouetting out a woman figure.

Frame 2 depicts a flow from far to deep space, creating a silhouette of a lady shoe to indicate where they live. Finally the flow ends at where the woman stands, portraying a progressive problem to her.

Sketch Development

Frame 1

SHE HAD SO MANY CHILDREN SHE DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO.

Frame 2

SHE HAD SO MANY CHILDREN SHE DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO.

THEN WHIPPED THEM ALL SOUNDLY AND PUT THEM TO BED.

Solution:

In Frame 1, Baby is threatened by pointed wood sticks and away from his toy.

SKETCH DEVELOPMENT

Frame 1

THEN WHIPPED THEM ALL SOUNDLY AND PUT THEM TO BED.

Principles of Design

September 21, 2015 / Zhang Longfei / 0 Comments

Principles of Design

The principles of design describe the ways that artists use the elements of art in a work of art.

Balance

Balance is the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and space. If the design was a scale, these elements should be balanced to make a design feel stable.

In symmetrical balance, the elements used on one side of the design are similar to those on the other side;

In asymmetrical balance, the sides are different but still look balanced.

In radial balance, the elements are arranged around a central point and may be similar.

Emphasis

Emphasis is the part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention. Usually the artist will make one area stand out by contrasting it with other areas. The area could be different in size, color, texture, shape, etc.

Movement

Movement is the path the viewer’s eye takes through the work of art, often to focal areas. Such movement can be directed along lines, edges, shape, and color within the work of art.

Pattern

Pattern is the repeating of an object or symbol all over the work of art.

Repetition

Repetition works with pattern to make the work of art seem active. The repetition of elements of design creates unity within the work of art.

Proportion

Proportion is the feeling of unity created when all parts (sizes, amounts, or number) relate well with each other. When drawing the human figure, proportion can refer to the size of the head compared to the rest of the body.

Rhythm

Rhythm is created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized movement. Rhythm creates a mood like music or dancing. To keep rhythm exciting and active, variety is essential.

Variety

Variety is the use of several elements of design to hold the viewer’s attention and to guide the viewer’s eye through and around the work of art.

Unity

Unity is the feeling of harmony between all parts of the work of art, which creates a sense of completeness.