This document provides instructions for a two-part visual arts assignment combining the elements of composition: balance, emphasis, and continuity. Part A instructs students to create a composition using four vertically arranged cut-out photographic images glued to a cardboard base to demonstrate balance, emphasis, and continuity. The images are to include a background, mid-ground object, foreground object, and person. Part B requires students to submit a one page typed rationale in bullet points explaining how their composition uses balance, emphasis, and continuity. The model and rationale are due on the date listed in the course syllabus.

1. Visual Imagination
Instructors: Sandy Hancock & Olivia Hancock
Fall 2013
Assignment #10
COMPOSITION: BALANCE, EMPHASIS AND CONTINUITY
This is a two-part assignment combining the three elements of composition: balance
emphasis and continuity.
Please read this entire assignment sheet before starting the project.
Part A. You will be building a composition using four vertical images on a flat surface.
For this you will need 5 component pieces: A 12” x 12” piece of cardboard as a base and
4 photographic images of the following:
a. A background image (a photographic image set vertically at
the back of the 12” x 12” board.
b. A cutout of a mid-ground object. (A photographic image of an
object placed between the foreground and background)
c. A cutout of a foreground object. (A photographic image of an
object placed in the foreground.
d. A cutout of a person in proportion to the other cutouts on the
board.
Glue each of the four photographic images to separate pieces of Bristol board. Cut out
each image, and Bristol board it is glued to, along its contour (outside edges), leaving a
little excess board at the bottom. Fold the excess at the bottom to provide a stand. (See
drawing) Create a composition, in model form, that demonstrates: balance, emphasis
and continuity, by placing the four cutouts on various vertical planes. You may place the
person cutout at any desired plane on the board that you feel is appropriate. When you
have arrived at a satisfactory composition, glue the cutouts to the base.
You may use images from newspapers, magazines, brochures, catalogs, newsletters,
photocopies, the Internet and/or any illustrated matter other than books and original
artwork. Do not destroy any original artwork or books for this project, even if they
are of no further use to you!
Extra credit: if you decorate the top (horizontal) surface of your 12” X12” board to
harmonize with your composition, you will get an additional 3 points added to the 10
point assignment.
1. On the bottom side of your 12” x 12” board, on a piece of white paper, write
your name and the name of your composition in capital letters.
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2. 2. Your project does not need to be complex or difficult to be effective. Use the
skill level you are comfortable with. Your talent is welcome and appreciated,
but it is not graded. Remember what counts:
a. Meeting the criteria
b. Accuracy
c. Neatness – do not use whiteout.
3. Asking for opinions and advice to solve a problem is very acceptable, in fact it
is encouraged. Having someone do your project is fraud just like plagiarism.
Part B.
Type a short rationale explaining the ways in which you have used balance
emphasis and continuity in this composition. You may do this in bulleted form
if you wish. The paper must be no longer than a page, and submitted at the same
time as the model. Remember to put your name on the paper as well.
See assignment due date on your Syllabus.
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