Design Principles Task - 02 - Visual Analysis & Ideation

Table of Content

Instruction
Chosen Artwork
Visual Analysis
Sketches
Feedback
Reference

1. Instruction

Task 02 - Week 03 - 05 (17.02.2025 - 03.03.205)
Write a visual analysis of the artwork you choose from the Task 01 art gallery that is between 300 and 350 words long.
Sketch three ideas for improving the chosen design using your understanding of design principles. In 30 to 50 words, describe each proposal and provide a rationale; we can also include some visual references that helped us come up with ideas (references should be cited).

2. Chosen Artwork

Name: Two Women by the Shore, Mediterranean

Artist: Henri-Edmond Cross

Year: 1896

Size: 25 x 36 in (65 x 92.5 cm)

Medium: Oil on Canvas

Image Source

3. Visual Analysis

Observation

The Figure 1.0, portrays a peaceful coastal scene with gentle pastel sky, a quiet sea, and tonnes of greenery. A variety of vibrant plants in yellow, orange, purple, and green hues may be seen in the foreground. Tall trees with thick greenery frame the scene on the left, while two figures—a standing woman in flowing skirts and a seated woman—are having a private conversation on the right. In the distance, a sailboat floats beyond the horizon beneath a pink-hued sky, while the middle ground expands to a blue-green sea with gentle waves. The environment feels bright and beautiful because of the artist's use of tiny, distinct specks of colour to add texture and dimension.

Analysis

The artwork incorporates pointillism, a technique that produces an optical colour blend by applying individual dots of pure colour to the surface. This technique adds to the piece's dreamy character and increases its brilliance. Complementary hues like purple and yellow or blue and orange appear in the colour pallet, enhancing the visual harmony. The composition is well-balanced, with the figures on the right and the trees on the left balancing each other out, and the curved shoreline drawing the viewer's attention to the sailboat and sea in the distance. From foreground to background, the pieces are layered to provide depth and a peaceful feeling.

Interpretation
This painting shows Neo-Impressionism, a movement that aims to produce mood and emotion through the scientific application of colour and light. It shows an idealized picture of harmony between people and the natural environment by emphasising leisure, nature, and contemplation. The characters' calm appearance supports the idea of tranquilly and a break from the modern world. Given the style and subject matter, the artist most likely wanted to inspire awe and tranquilly in the viewer, inspiring them to appreciate the brightness of nature as well as the delicate relationships between colour and light.

4. Sketches

Sketch No.1

Figure 1.0

References Pictures

Figure 1.1- Original Painting with the inspired

elements marked (Edited on Canva)

Figure 1.2- Beach View reference

Image Source

Figure 1.3- Sail boat reference

Image Source

Rational

The chosen artwork is reinterpreted in this sketch (Figure1.0). For the sketch (Figure 1.0) I took two elements (Figure 2.1) from the original painting as inspiration. This sketch aims to improve clarity and composition of the painting.

To provide a stronger visual presence, the two women who are at the centre of the original picture are given more emphasis. The sailboat, which was previously dull is moved forward to improve the scene's balance. To create depth, clouds and far-off mountains are added. The sketch improves the original structure by reducing details while maintaining essence, providing a more realistic yet moving depiction of harmony.

Sketch No. 02

Figure 2.0

Reference Pictures

Figure 2.1- Original Painting with the inspired

elements marked (Edited on Canva)

Figure 2.2- Mountain View reference

Image Source

Figure 2.3- Sail boat reference

Image Source

Rational

For the sketch (Figure 2.0) I took two distinct features from the original art work (Figure 2.1). This sketch (Figure 2.0) improves the artwork and alters perspective by highlighting and emphasising some dull background components. The previously subtle sailboat is given more prominence, strengthening the main point and maintaining the oceanic/beach concept. A far-off mountain range adds scale and balance to the composition, making the landscape more engrossing. The viewers can sense the connection to the tranquil seaside landscape which is enhanced by the change in perspective, but still preserve the harmony of the original artwork while adding more balance and emphasis to certain elements.

Sketch No. 03

Figure 3.0

Reference Pictures

Figure 3.1- Original Painting with the inspired

elements marked (Edited on Canva)

Figure 3.2- Ocean Cliff reference

Image Source

Rational

This sketch (Figure 3.0) is reinterpreted, by emphasizing on perspective. Inspired by the original painting’s sailboat and tree placements on cliffside (Figure 3.1), the composition Emphasises contrast between the foreground and background. The cliffside leads the viewer’s eye toward the distant horizon, reinforcing the landscape's serene yet vast atmosphere. By simplifying the landscape into structured forms, the sketch provides a foundation for a refined interpretation while preserving the painting’s balance of nature. By simplifying the elements into defined forms, this sketch (Figure 3.0) serves as a foundation for a reinterpretation that maintains the essence of the original scene but still offering a different perspective.

5. Feedback

Week 04

For week 4 I had completed the visual analysis part of task 02 and the feed back I got was that the overall analysis was satisfactory but I had to clearly state the design principles that I found within the painting and to add more references from where I got the analysis information. As well as to work on the 3 sketches for this task

Week 05

This week is the submission and I had to fix a few things before submitting, like add and organize the figure numbers and I was told to add the design principles clearly for the rational as well as add a few more things to the rational.

6. Reference