Cartography Painting

Cartography Painting

Greek: chartis = map and graphein = write

This project will inspire you to create a painting based on the structure, colors and patterns found on maps. This is not a painting describing a literal place in the world, however, the shapes, patterns and texture can be derived from places with significant meaning.

The maps IN SOME WAY should represent your present and your future. Think in terms of maps, technical drawings, instructions, etc.

1.  Start by finding a map to trace (16x20 tracing paper) shapes created by landmass, roadways or other features.

2.  Using a grid, enlarge the tracing to make it large enough for a piece of Bristol (19” x 24” with a 1” border approx.).

3.  Using acrylic, paint in the shapes in either flat color and/or graded value. Your color palette needs to be taken from a painting by:

Morandi O’Keeffe Cezanne

4.  Your entire piece will be limited with the colors from only that one painting.

5.  Using a different map, you will need to trace lines (think roadways or other line indicators). Look for different types of lines (thick, thin, double-lines, dotted-lines) and repetition of those lines. Think BALANCE and how your eye moves through the piece. This time the tracing will not be enlarged but will be transfer directly.

6.  Using yet another map, look for some element that creates a PATTERN. Think shape, line, texture and/or color. This must be added to your piece in 3 areas to create a triangular movement, balance and unity.

7.  Choose a negative shape to collage in an actual piece of map. Consider the color, texture and how it integrates into the rest of the painting. You need collage into 2 or three different areas. OR instead of collaging a piece of map into the areas you may add pencil drawing either in graphite or color pencil.

8.  Finishing the piece: examine the painting from a distance to see what else you need to add or adjust.
(YES, I WANT YOU TO ACTUALLY STEP BACK!)

Suggestions not requirements:

Outline with contrasting color

Radiating lines

Concentric organic shapes (topography)

Adding in an object from observation (value render or contour)

Additional map element