Picture This; How Pictures Work by Molly Bang
Picture This explores one basic question about how we see things: How and why do structural elements affect our feelings? The book is a ground for understanding this aspect of visual art and for and making it. copyright 2016 by Molly Bang
The elements of art - composition, shape, line, form, value, texture, and color – provide building blocks on which to explore existing artwork and to create your own. In this project, you will explore how to use shape and color to set the mood and make your work express specific emotions.
Explore Bang’s list of the principles that make pictures successful in conveying meaning. The principles explore how different shapes (horizontal, vertical, and diagonal) convey different meanings, how position on a page can attract viewers or make them feel a certain way, how color affects mood, how size affects strength, and how contrast makes us see. Use one of Molly Bang’s discussions about color as an introduction to using color to affect emotion.
Design your own shape/color and present.
Ruenhorst
Children’s Books: Evaluation/Analysis
Objective: To understand the creative process and elements included in successful picture books. Analysis and evaluation of picture book composition and production of an original work.
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Consider the following when evaluating picture books:
Who created the book?
Author
Illustrator
Is it the same? What are the pros/cons of that?
Artistic Method/Medium Used - Technique
Mood/tone
Is it appealing?
Watercolor
Photography
Torn paper
Aesthetics
Exposure to art
Does the book incorporate
Historical perspectives
An imaginary place
Message / Theme
Writing Method Used
The impetus to reading
Use of sight words
few words used
Use of funny words/ rhyming
Point of view/perspective - positive? negative? from a child? adult?
Pacing - are you drawn into the story? Do you want to linger on a page?
Suitability? Would you make that choice for a children’s book?
Variety - does it maintain interest?
Consistent illustrations or change with the demands of the text?
Additional Reading:
Bang, Molly. Picture This: How Pictures Work. New York: SeaStar, 2000. Print.
Hands, Nancy S. Illustrating Children's Books: A Guide to Drawing, Printing, and Publishing. New York: Prentice Hall, 1986. Print.