Proportion/Scale

Proportion/Scale

Proportion

• Principle of Design

• Def: Size relationship between various parts of a whole.

• Think, Individual MEASUREMENTS that make up the object.

Standard/Correct Proportion

• When an object is in standard/correct proportion that means all the parts that make that object up are the correct size and fit properly and naturally.

• Standard Proportions = normal/natural/accurate.

Peeters, Still life with nuts and fruit, 1620.

Exaggerated/Unnatural Proportions

• Proportions are not natural.

• This can be done intentionally by an artist in order to emphasize, make something stand out

• Proportions can also be exaggerated as a stylistic choice.

Multiple Select

Proportion/Scale is an Element of Art.

• True

• False

Proportion in Art

Can create depth, realism, disorientation and drama.

Maria izquierdo, The Indifferent Child, 1947

Multiple Choice

What is out of proportion in this sculpture?

• The Head

• The Feet

• The Hand & Arm

• The Legs

Scale- Part 1

Def.: the size relationship of one object in relation to another.

Think, overall SIZE of one thing in relationship to the overall size of another.

Multiple Select

What is out of scale in this artwork?

• The man

• The tractor

• The bird

• The wheat

Scale in Art

• Artworks that look realistic are scaled similarly to real world objects.

• Artists can use scale to play with the illusion of depth or to emphasize certain areas/objects in an artwork.

René Magritte, les valeurs personnelles (personal values), 1952

Scale- Part 2

• Scale in art can also refer to the size of an artwork.

• For example, it can be a large scale artwork, small scale, miniature scale, monumental scale etc.

Chuck Close, Mark, 1978-79

Diem Chau, Mahjongg

Multiple Choice

What is the scale of this artwork?

• Large Scale

• Small Scale

• Miniature Scale

• Monumental Scale

Hierarchical Scale- Part 3

When an artist depicts objects in an unnatural scale to show importance or lack of importance.

Hierarchical Scale

• This type of size manipulation is almost exclusively used to show importance or lack of importance.

• Ancient Egyptian Artists are well-known for their use of hierarchical scale

Michelangelo, Pieta

Egyptian, Nebamun hunting, Late 18th Dynasty, around 1350 B

Multiple Choice

This Ancient Egyptian Artist used hierarchical scale to show the importance of which figure?

• The Queen

• The servant

• The animals

• The King