Cross-Training: Make Stronger Artwork Using the Interplay of Elements

In this presentation I offer examples of how artists combine elements of abstraction successfully.
Cross-Training Activity: ONE PIECE: SIX INTERPRETATIONS
Of course you can do this as many times as you like, or have time to complete, but just doing it once should be fun, and hopefully informative.
Follow These Steps:
Choose two or three elements to use together. You are not limited to these, but it will be easier if you aren’t trying to work with eight at once! For example you could choose shape, line, and color.
Create a composition with the elements, using papers. It can be any size, but try to keep it manageable since you will be completing five more variations on the theme, and if they are big, it could get overwhelmingly time-consuming. This is especially true for those of you who are on a personal track with work. You don’t want to be so distracted by this that you don’t have time for your personal stuff.
I don’t know why the GPS admonishment, “Proceed to the route” popped into my head right now, but that’s what comes next! Proceed to create five more compositions - each one based on the original, and each one taking “a new route” to the destination!
NOTE: Remember, it’s all about interpretation. The flavor/balance/elements of the first piece becomes your guide, but what happens next will (with any luck) shift and change as you move through your series.
Here are a few ideas:
Create the composition in completely different papers. OR a mix of papers and cloth. Use a glue stick or fusible web to put it all together.
Interpret the composition in a wet medium, like paint.
Interpret the composition in colored pencil, with Inktense blocks, or a combination of materials. Use fabric for part of the composition and then add India ink.
Use stitch and/or fused fabric to create the composition.
See what happens if you change out or add patterns to the composition - especially if all components were flat colors, without pattern before.
Recreate the composition as a set of layers on a gel plate, for those of you who are familiar with how to do that.
You will probably have your own ideas about the way to proceed with the exercise and whatever you think of is good. I can hardly wait to see what sorts of other creative ideas you come up with, that would never have occurred to me.
Most of all, have some fun, suspend judgment, follow your heart. That’s the magic recipe for a joyful, good time.
------------------------------------------------------
Visit My Website: www.janedunnewold.com
Join our community: www.janedunnewold.com/community
Subscribe to my channel to be notified as soon as I post new content! bit.ly/2Iixm9f
FACEBOOK: / janedunnewoldartist
INSTAGRAM: / jane.dunnewold
Feel free to email me at [e-mail].

[@andreamuller8468]

Thank you ♡

[@beenice9867]

They were very inspiring works of art. Thank you!

[@BothThingsCreative]

Our pleasure!

[@patm.3912]

The first piece really looks like something done in encaustic. Very interesting.

[@BothThingsCreative]

Could have been. Sometimes there isn't any information that I can pass on. But thanks for the comment.

[@dijpacarro225]

This was very inspiring- thank you!

[@BothThingsCreative]

So glad!

[@alanhaenni]

I've noticed this in other videos too, but when you give dimensions, such as 9x12 when discussing the large work at min. 12:00, I assume you mean inches, right? Unless your audience is limited America and the UK, inches are not the default unit of measure. I this case it didn't cause any confusion, but in others posts it has.

[@BothThingsCreative]

Good point! When I write instructions i always add the metric equivalent, but I hadn't thought about that in the videos. I'll adjust accordingly, Alan. I appreciate the post.