TENSION CREATES VISUAL EXCITEMENT

  Along with Contrast ( Line, Texture, Size Relationships, Interval ) and Balance,(Symmetrical, Approximate and Occult Symmetry) the art element Spatial Tensions is a consideration we do almost automatically in planning a composition. Usually, we organize the components with one or two of these characteristics, like objects touching or overlapping each other. But there are other relationships as well, and our purpose now was to create a simple realistic, geometric or abstract composition that would involve all of them. They are:

• A. Touch---shapes in which contours contact each other
• B. Overlap--opaque or transparent coverage of one shape over another offering partial or simultaneous vision of both.
• C. Pierced--cutting through a shape and exiting.
• D. Interlock--shapes piercing and reconnecting, like a chain.
• E. Interlace--shapes are "weaved" over/under other shapes.
• F. Movement--the physical and visual direction/flow of shapes in relation to each other.

Let's see some examples.

Tempera Paint

  The way the concept words were interpreted was unique to each individual.

  It's exciting to see the creative variations each person imparts in defining these spatial relationships and tying them all together.

  Can you identify each of tensions depicted in these examples? Give it a try!

Oil pastels, yarn, colored paper,
3D center parts

Tempera, wallpaper, painted fabric,
oil pastels, stitching