Project 2: Periodic Table
An element is a chemically pure substance consisting of a single type of atom, such as oxygen, lead, or uranium. In 1869, the elements were organized according to their chemical properties and atomic number by Dmitri Mendeleev. This chart is called The Periodic Table, and has, with refinements, been in use ever since. For this assignment, we will create an illustrated Periodic Table. The illustration will be 12”x12”.
Objectives
To use research and ideation techniques to develop narrative from a non-narrative point of departure; to build upon the compositional, referenced, and painting skills from Project 1; to use a near-complementary color scheme in a painting; to balance multiple formal demands with the need to create a striking image.
Procedure
Chose a chemical element, and sign up for it on the posted Periodic Table. Only one person may pick a given element.
Research your element, making note of at least ten distinct facts about it. These may be from the history or folklore relating to the element, interesting physical properties, or uses and applications. To this list of ten you may add any personal associations you may have with this substance. From this list, develop a mind map, spinning out associations from these facts, and then building on those associations. When you have developed a rich map of associations, look for connections between concepts from different branches of the map. Make note on the map of interesting visual and narrative ideas that come out of these connections.
Ideally, you are seeking two things: a basic narrative to depict in your illustration, and at least one other thematic reference to the element. Take antimony as an example. This metalloid substance, which I’d never heard of until seeking out an obscure element to use as an example, doesn’t seem very promising, at first. It’s shiny, in a chintzy sort of way, and has a number of industrial uses: it’s used in plumbing, and matches, and flame-proofing compounds. But then I find out that it was used make kohl, the dark eye makeup favored throughout the Ancient World. Now, all sorts of narrative possibilities open up: Cleopatra being made-up before meeting Caesar; Salome dancing for the head of John the Baptist, even Johnny Depp dressing up as Jack Sparrow. Pretty much any scene from history or myth that involved a man or woman wearing eye make-up is fair game. Drawing connections between Cleopatra’s Egypt and antimony’s use in matches and flame-proofing leads me to Sekhmet, the Goddess of Fire. So, Cleopatra being made-up with kohl before meeting Caesar is my main narrative for my illustration, and images of Sekhmet (as well as some compositionally prominent braziers) addresses my secondary thematic reference to antimony.
In addition to the narrative content and at least one secondary reference, the illustration should include the atomic number of the element being depicted (in the case of antimony, this is 51).
Sketching: Develop25 thumbnail sketches of your idea. Each thumbnail should be a different compositional approach to the image. Select the three best compositions and draw them larger (around 4”x4’) and neater, so that you can present them to the class.
Photo-reference: Collect the friends and props necessary to shoot good references for your illustration. As with Tableau Vivant, use the photo-shoot as an opportunity to explore and refine your composition. Bring at least ten good shots to present to the class. Additionally, collect any other photo-references you will need for your image.
Drawing: Based on the feedback you receive in class on your photographed compositions, develop your drawing at the size of the final illustration. Determine each figure on separate layers of tracing paper, as well as the background, and any major props. Manipulate the layers of tracing paper around to tweak your drawing. When you are satisfied with the composition, transfer it to illustration board.
Painting: This image will be rendered in a near-complementary color scheme. Using a color wheel, determine the palette of your piece. You may use only these two colors, black, and white. Spend some time in your sketchbook making some color swatches with these paints: the 2 near-complementary colors, at least three neutral tones created by mixing them in different proportions, and then tints (the color mixed with white), shades (the color mixed with black) and tones (the color mixed with grey) of all 5 colors. This is a very limited palette, but it can be very effective when considered carefully, and used strategically.
Presentation: When the painting is finished, flap the illustration board with a sheet of tracing paper and a sheet of cover stock.
Schedule
2/14 Project 2: Periodic Table element chosen.
2/16 Partial research due (ten facts)
2/21 Project 2: Periodic Table thumbnails and written research due. Illustrator Research due.
2/23 Periodic Table visual research and photos due . In Class: begin drawing.
2/28 Project 2: Periodic Table drawing due. In Class: begin painting
3/2 Paint Periodic Table
3/7 Paint Periodic Table
3/9 Critique Periodic Table
3/14 Spring Break
3/16 Spring Break
3/21 Project 2: Periodic Table due.
Elements already chosen:
Iodine
Lithium
Arsenic
Boron
Plutonium
Mercury
Rubidium
Molybdenum
Silicon
Cadmium
Phosphorus
Carbon
Titanium
Neon
Platinum
Gold
Helium
Iridium
Selenium
Neon
