Cardboard Curves & Use of Repetition

Cut out of cardboard or oil stencil board curved shapes similar to that herewith shown. They are useful in making designs where there is frequent repetition of simple curved lines. The complicated looking design on page 298 is an example of what can be done with a curve such as the one on this page.

Equilibrium and stability, commonplace in their aspect though they may seem, play important parts in the science of ornamental design. Solidity is a principle of art; strength does not exclude elegance.

Duplication of Design – When making a design in which the details are frequently duplicated. Draw each minor detail and then make a tracing with a sharp-pointed soft pencil; redraw the lines on the other side of the tracing paper, and with a stylus or whatever hard substance is used to make the offset rub briskly on the side opposite the last traced design.

To duplicate the design wherever it is to be placed repeat each part of the design as often as necessary to produce the entire plan of ornament.

In making a frame-like design make corner-pieces first and join to whatever border may be selected.

Retracing Necessary – When each “repeat” is to be made frequently, it will be necessary to retrace (over the same lines) several times, because a portion of the graphite, of which the pencil lead is composed, is transferred to the paper beneath at each offset. After three or four offsets, the transfers thus made will become too dim to act as guides. The plan for transferring as described in the chapter on Tracing and Transferring can be used in these exercises.

Aids for Imagination – Draw curves similar to the above and add floral and decorative forms as suggested below, The intention of this exercise is to arouse the inventive faculties of the pupil. These devices may be drawn on the blackboard and the pupils requested to make totally different curves in addition. The curves should be all drawn separately and the decorations added afterward.