Fragmenting The Landscape

Experimentation

 Geometric, Abstract Landscape

Sophie Wiseman

Inspired by form and linearity, I digitally sketched a photograph I had taken in Norway a few years ago. My aim was to focus on clear margins and fixed structure, this in effect will help me to improve depicting a landscape with as little lines as possible when in practise and on site. (original photo is featured at the end of blog post)

Unusually, the area with the most detail is the mountains in the background, instead of the grass that is at the foreground of the composition. As a result, the impression of depth is depicted far further into the picture than first anticipated and also generates mystification when glancing through the v-shaped valleys. The harsh blue of the sky, that is one solid colour makes the piece look like a scene that is hand crafted instead of being a naturally occurring landscape. Furthermore, there is a sense of enclosure when imagining being amongst the impeding, jagged mountains, but yet there is a soft aspect to the rounded minimalistic trees. The dull tones are cut through with the light roof of the house and serves as a good focal point, that leads the eye through the linearity of the grass. this piece shows that shadow and light can have physical characteristics, for example, no shadow or light was added to the composition after being drawn, the colours selected serve purpose and illustrate form.

Overall, I am pleased with how clear I was able to make the piece and I enjoy the harsh atmosphere it creates. The configuration of the shapes feels otherworldly, as we are able to interpret the picture as a landscape with simple geometric shapes and dense muted colours. I have found that some elements of depth can be curated with no shading, just intentional mark making and careful observations. 

Original Photo