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PLANE
Each of the surface areas, usually
vertical, representing distance or depth in a scene, either
real or represented (in a drawing, painting or photography).
FOREGROUND
In a painting, photograph or other
image, the part of the image that appears nearest to the observer
and that contains people, objects or features that attract
the most attention.
There is a beluga in the foreground.
MIDDLE
GROUND
The part of an image or view that
is neither very near nor very far away.
From the top of the hill we could see the ocean and, in
the middle distance, the village.
BACKGROUND
The part of an image that appears farthest
away, generally containing features that are less important
than the main subject.
The artist did not paint the backgrounds to his pictures
himself; his students did.
She has photographed them against many different backgrounds.
The scene was filmed against a background of dark fir trees.
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Preliminary Activity #5: What
is a Set?
- No materials required.
Activity #5: Designing a Set
or a Background
- Recycled board
- Pencil, eraser
- Paint (brushes and/or sponges, water containers, paper towels),
markers, crayons,
oil pastels (alone or in combination)
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Preliminary
Activity #5:
What is a Set?
Group discussion
A theatre set or scenery provides information
for the audience and creates atmosphere for the actors
(puppeteers) to bring their story to life. Knowing what
information you want the audience to have, you can design
scenery that will give them a glimpse into the world your
puppet characters inhabit.
The background is the largest part of the set. It usually
creates the illusion of a room or an open space outdoors.
Discuss notions of foreground, middle
ground and background.
- Objects that you want to appear farther
away should be smaller, less colourful,
less detailed and higher in the picture plane
(higher up in the composition).
- Objects that you want to appear closer
should be bigger, painted in brighter colours,
more detailed and placed lower on the
picture plane (lower in the composition).
- What kind of information do you want the
audience to have?
- What will your set look like?
- How will you make sure that the puppets
in the foreground stand out?
- Will the background be realistic or abstract?
- What colours will you use? Why?
- Will the backdrop have many details?
- How will the scenery enhance your story?
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Activity #5:
Designing a Set or a Background
Materials
- Recycled board
- Pencil, eraser
- Paint (brushes and/or sponges, water containers,
paper towels), markers, crayons,
oil pastels (alone or in combination)
 Use
a large piece of recycled board or cardboard (Call
a furniture or home improvement store to ask if
they would be willing to donate materials for your
set).
Use a pencil to quickly sketch out the design. Remember
the background is just that. You should not put
in too many details: you want the puppets in the
foreground to stand out.
Using paint, pastels, crayons or a combination of
those, colour the scenery. With paint you can use
sponges to cover big areas quickly and evenly. You
can do the same with crayons and pastels by turning
them on their sides. Add important details at the
end. |
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