Figure Ground Reversal Sequence
(Two Options!)
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Option 1:
Assignment:
Create a five-panel composition that depicts the transformation of a letterform to an object through a reversal of the figure and ground relationship.
Materials: Black gouache & micron pen
Objectives:
– Transition from black letterform on white ground to white silhouette on black ground
– Explore the design concepts of positive and negative shape as well as repetition & variation, pattern & movement, simplicity & similarity.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Option 2 :
Assignment:
Create a five-panel composition that depicts the transformation of one object to another object through a reversal of the figure and ground relationship.
Materials: Pencil, Eraser, Ruler, Drawing Paper, Bristol, Sharpie, Micron pen
Objectives:
– Transition from black form on white ground to white form on black ground
– Explore the design concepts of positive and negative shape as well as repetition & variation, pattern & movement, simplicity & similarity.
​
​
​
Steps for Options 1 and 2:
Research:
​
1. Make a list of pairs of objects that have distinct forms and meanings
2. Make several small studies of the two objects on sketch paper. Explore the shapes in both the positive and negative space. Do the two objects have any shapes in common (either negative or positive)? Can you use shapes or a repeated motif to transition from one to the other? You are looking for a smooth and dynamic transition.
​
3. The Study: Draw two sets of 5 2" x 3" rectangles on sketch paper to do mock ups. Expect to make a lot of changes to this or even to restart. Place your paper in landscape mode. Measurements: 2" from top and bottom; 1" from sides; 1/2" between rectangles in a row; 1" between rows.
​
​
​
​
​
Realization:
4. Measure and cut five 5” x 7” panels on Bristol paper.
​
5. Sketch out each drawing in pencil
Panel #1: black form silhouette on white ground (or vice versa) - pay attention to proportion and scale
​
Panel #2: begin transformation by isolating, shifting and simplifying positive and negative shapes from black to white and white to black
​
Panel #3: continue transformation by anticipating the emergence of the white on black figure-object and combining the shapes.
​
Panel #4: Increase the black (or white) background while substantiating the emerging white figure.
​
Panel #5: Clarify the white figure-object silhouette on the black ground.
​
​
​
​
​
​
