GRD 211
Electronic Artistry
page 1
SCALE & PROPORTION
Center for New Media
Kalamazoo Valley Community College - Fall 2009
Instructor: Linda Rzoska (www.lindarzoska.com)
Telephone: 269.373.7923
E-Mail: lrzoska@kvcc.edu
Office Hours: Behind Front Desk: Wed. 4:00 to 5:00, Thurs., 5:00 to 7:00
Class Blog: http://grd211.wordpress.com
Scale and Proportion are related terms in that both refer basically to size. Scale is essentially another name for size.
Proportion refers to a relative size, size measured against other elements or against some mental norm or standard.
Scale and Proportion are closely tied to Emphasis and Focal Point. Large scale and especially large scale in proportion to
other elements make for an obvious visual emphasis or Focal Point.
Hieratic Scale
In past centuries visual scale was often related to thematic importance. The size of figures was based on their symbolic
importance in the subject being presented. This use of scale is called Hieratic Scaling and has been used to clarify a Focal Point.
Scale Within Art /
Scale Confusion
The various scale of elements within a design or work of art can make the artwork more visually interesting. We often use
the term Proportion to describe the size relationship between various parts of a unit. To say an element in a composition is
"out of proportion" carries a negative feeling. And it is true that such a visual effect can be startling or unsettling. However,
it is possible that this reaction is precisely what some artists desire.
Surrealism
Artists have used Scale Confusion to intentionally intrigue or mystify the viewer rather than to clarify a Focal Point. Surrealism is an art form based on paradox, on images that cannot be explained in rational terms. Artists who work in this
manner present the irrational world of the dreams or nightmares using recognizable elements in impossible situations. The
artists Rene' Magritte and Salvador Dali are both known for this style of composition.
Scale Within Art
Scale can attract our attention in different ways, depending on
the artist's purpose. Scale can be used to draw our notice to the
unexpected or exaggerated, as when small objects are magnified
or large ones reduced. The artwork at the right by Carl Zahn, is
startling, as a tiny insect is now seen enlarged to page-filling size.
Just the extreme change in scale attracts our attention.
Image Source: Edgar Degas
Image Source: Carl Zahn
Scale Contrast
The use of large or small scale is often employed in painting or
design. However, a more common practice is to combine the two
for a dramatic contrast. In the Degas painting below, a very large
scale lady is seated in the theater. On the background stage the
figures gradually diminish in size as distance increases. Seeing
a lady's fan far larger than a group of dancers provides scale
contrast and visual interest.
GRD 211
Electronic Artistry
page 2
Image Source: Rene' Magritte & Eugeniucz Get-Ataniewicz
Scale Confusion
The deliberate changing of natural scale is not unusual in
painting and design. In religious paintings many artists have
arbitrarily increased the size of Christ or the Virgin Mary figure to
emphasis philosophic and religious importance. Some artists,
however, use scale changes intentionally to intrigue or mystify us
as well as to clarify the focal point.
Rene' Magritte, left, and Eugeniusz GetStaniewicz, above, use scale confusion
in these Surrealist compositions.
do these exercises to perfect your skills and broaden your knowledge base
Project Procedure Exercise
GRD 211 Class Blog
Design Exercises
Textbook Pages: 66 to 71
Research Carl Zahn
Web / Library / Book Store / Gallery
Research Rene' Magritte
Web / Library / Book Store / Gallery
Research Salvador Dali
Web / Library / Book Store / Gallery
Research Surrealism
Web / Library / Book Store / Gallery