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Scale and Proportion in Art Design

The document discusses scale and proportion in art. Scale refers to size, while proportion is the relationship between different elements. Scale and proportion are tied to focal points and emphasis in a work. Hieratic scaling bases the size of figures on their symbolic importance. Artists use scale and proportion both internally, in relation to elements within a work, and externally in relation to other art and surroundings. Proportion can be expressed through ratios like the golden ratio found in nature and the Fibonacci sequence. Common proportional devices for composition include the golden rectangle, root rectangle, and rule of thirds.

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77 views21 pages

Scale and Proportion in Art Design

The document discusses scale and proportion in art. Scale refers to size, while proportion is the relationship between different elements. Scale and proportion are tied to focal points and emphasis in a work. Hieratic scaling bases the size of figures on their symbolic importance. Artists use scale and proportion both internally, in relation to elements within a work, and externally in relation to other art and surroundings. Proportion can be expressed through ratios like the golden ratio found in nature and the Fibonacci sequence. Common proportional devices for composition include the golden rectangle, root rectangle, and rule of thirds.

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gaurav20jain
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BASIC

DESIGN
DES 101-3(Basic Design)
What is Scale?
SCALE is essentially another word for “size”. Measuring.

What is Proportion?
PROPORTION refers to relative size, or a comparison of elements against
some mental norm or standard. Also regarded as a size relationship
between various parts of a unit.
What is Scale & Proportion?
They are both tied to Focal Point & Emphasis. The proportion of these subjects to the rest of the
painting and the unusual point of view lend a monumental feeling to these humble subjects.
Hieratic Scaling
The size of figures was based on their symbolic importance in the subject being presented.
Use of Scale & Proportion
One way to think of artistic scale is to consider the scale of the work itself—its size in relation to other
art, in relation to its surroundings, or in relation to human size.

World of details, An immensity


figures, landscape, of information
and architecture— is rendered with
is compressed into delicate precision
a three-and- on an intimate
one-half-inch- scale.
diameter circle.
Use of Scale & Proportion
Context: Earthworks, for example, can only be seen from the air. Works of art are often selected
or created for specific locations.
Use of Scale & Proportion
Internal proportions: the size and scale of elements within the design or pattern.

We use them in relation to what we wish to create. They give different information.
Use of Scale & Proportion
INTERLNAL REFERENCES: The inclusion of buildings on the horizon sets the scale,
and our understanding is transformed.
Exaggerated Scale
For example, we notice the unexpected or exaggerated, as when small objects are magnified
or large ones are reduced.

Here the
Just the extreme purposeful
change in scale use of the very
attracts our tiny figures
attention. contrasts with
a vast space,
evoking anxiety.
Scale Confusion / Surrealism
Often used in Surrealism and fantasy: using size to intrigue or mystify.
Scale Confusion / Surrealism
Often used in Surrealism and fantasy: using size to intrigue or mystify.
Measuring Devices / Layout
RATIO - Proportion is linked to ratio.

For example, the average adult is


7 ½ heads tall, which is
considered as the perfect body.

Another example - “ten


heads tall” is found in the
exaggerated proportions of
fashion illustration.
Golden Rectangle
The proportions of the golden rectangle can be expressed in the ratio of the parts to the
whole. This ratio this is called the ratio of the golden mean.
The ratio of the golden mean can be found in the Fibonacci Sequence, a counting series
where each new number is the sum of the previous two: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, etc
We see this 3:5 ratio expressed in music (harmonies of 3rds, 5ths, and octaves), and in
growth patterns in nature
Golden Rectangle
Golden Rectangle
The golden rectangle – a proportional device developed by ancient Greeks, can also be found in nature.
Golden Rectangle
The Golden Rectangle is well suited to figure and landscape paintings.
Root Rectangle
A root rectangle is made up of a square flanked by two golden rectangles.
Root five rectangles – proportions are 1:√5
Root Rectangle
A root rectangle is made up of a square flanked by two golden rectangles.
Rule of Thirds
A guideline in which an image is divided into nine equal parts with two vertical lines and two horizontal lines.
Important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections.
Rule of Thirds
A guideline in which an image is divided into nine equal parts with two vertical lines and two horizontal lines.
Important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections.
Thank You!

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