Gestalt in Architecture

continuity

closure

ground relationships

pragnanz

pragnanz

similarity

proximity

symmetry

Design Evaluation

If you evaluate this landscaping using the following design concepts, 

you end up with a loss:

movement

harmony

variety

balance

proportion

pattern

While a formal balance can be effective, this design has no flow. It ignores harmony and movement by placing two similarly sized but different blobs side by side. Overall the landscape lacks creative variety. Often odd numbers of objects harmonize visually. In this case the two masses of equal size destroy the sense of proportion and movement.

This landscaping, while lacking in many ways, at least has a more pleasant flow and greater variety. The pattern is more interesting and varied. 

A different but similar example to the first one of how even numbered same sized objects placed side by side create a feeling of stasis,  rather than flow.

Contrast, Harmony and Balance - A Universal Icon

It took about 8 hours to render this picture. Referencing from a rough newspaper photo (which included a rider), I etched out from memory the glorious lines, volume and power contained in one of nature's finest creatures, a horse!

Design-wise there doesn't seem to be much going on in the image; just an animal. But regardless of the background, or lack of it, there is a great deal going on with the horse that makes it jump off the page in nearly 3-D! This was created through the rampant use of high- and low-lighting. Actually, there are no highlights, only the absence of shadows that make the animal appear shiny. Those "highlights" also make certain structures seem rounded or prominent, such as the belly and flank.

One thing I love is the rich textures seen, especially in the tail. I used different artists' pencils and various types of pressure when drawing to gain the various finishes throughout the work.

To me a horse represents freedom and power. And you can't forget beauty, as seen in the well attended Docutah film, "Herd in Iceland." These beings create a natural draw to humans. Who doesn't love to see the grace of a horse charging across the landscape? I think if I wanted to make films that would always be popular, I'd make a horse film!

Culturally, horses have a long and close history with humans. How many little girls have lost sleep dreaming of an equine companion? How many boys have wanted to ride like the wind and conquer? How many nations have risen and fallen with the aid of these mighty, stunning and capable creatures? We all seem to have a connection with our equine companions. Even if that connection is not emotional, at minimum they seem to catch our eye!