Designing an arrangement for a 3D cube was a challenge for Introductory Art level students. With many idea sketches, changes, color and texture review and final applications, the form finally arrived.

  The CUBE offers great opportunity for design connectivity. Shape interest can extend from side to side rather than be 6 separate units.

  It lends itself to expression of many art concepts and media and themes, and it is a great opportunity to experience the need to re-organize and change ideas.

LOTS OF PREPARATION

  We began with a guide sheet (left) with random words to be defined by shape, color, line and texture. Ideas had to come forward, and once started, 24 "somethings" came to life. Step 1.

  Step 2 was to select the 12 best ideas, "modify" them, (right) and give closer attention to the suggestions listed on the "Ideas" page. The small words on the right side of the Shade Ideas indicate that sketches were to (1)avoid always being placed in the center, (2)include angular placement, (3)enlarge shapes,(4)use "zoom" views, (5)simplify, (6)exaggerate details, (6)use textures, and (7)overlap shapes. I would also add use a variety of sizes and be inventive.

PUTTING THE SHAPES IN PLACE

  From initial sketches, to reduced selection to final board there were many, many changes. The "COLOR PLAN", left, was the major one. Here, the selected images had to be placed in the correct positions of what would be "right side up" in the actual cube. A preparation paper, an exact replica of the final board was used to organize the placements, test out the colors, and plan how sides would connect and relate to each other. The direction for each sides of the cube was indicated by an arrow. Sketches were put in place and then areas, lines and textures were critiqued for connections and design carry over. Colors were planned in colored pencil according to the requirements previously stated. Focus was centered on how the sides would relate to each other in the normal cube appearance.

  The right photo shows a pinned up completed drawing, cut out, scored and ready for final attachment.

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