Extreme Cropping

Favorite Things, Cropped. 2011 Joan Kresek
All images are copyright protected and may not be copied, saved, downloaded,
reproduced, or otherwise used in any way without my written permission.

In this post, I ask you to consider using extreme cropping as a method of abstraction when you are using a realistic image as your base.  

Extreme cropping of an image moves it into the realm of abstraction where the language of the image centers on form. Use a viewfinder or make enlargements of your sketch and then place cropping boxes in various places on your composition.  Look for areas of interest that include variety in contrast of value, shape, and hard and soft edges.  Areas with highlights, body tone, body shadow, reflected light and cast shadow. Remember to apply the principles of design - Unity, Unity with Variety, Emphasis/Focal Point, Balance, and Rhythm as well as design elements of Shape, Line Quality, Texture, Illusion of Space and Value when selecting the area within the rectangular shape of your viewfinder. In the example on the left, I was attracted by the contrast in values, the movement the curves and diagonal lines provided, the weight of the dark at the bottom, and the mysterious glow coming from behind the shapes.  This glow does not exist in the original; I “found” it when exploring the value distribution.