Cell animation is a great vehicle to study simple use of color for depiction based on general principles of color. Cell animation generally uses broad flat areas of color, as opposed to digital animation which is much more detailed. In this project, we will examine how color phenomena is handled loosely but analytically in this art form. In good animation, direct and indirect illumination, shadows, reflections, atmospheric perspective, and transparencies, etc. are handled with economy and deftness. The Tex Avery example above (wolf and burlesque dancer) is a great example of wonderfully simple depiction of light and shadow. Download separate cells, print them, and do detailed studies of the mechanics of how the depiction of these phenomena are handled. These will be on 9" x 12" Bristol if painting or 8 1/2" x 11 if digital print. Gouache painters will do three studies and make precise replicas. Those working digitally will make six studies, and will alter the design by changing the general forms of the characters but still following the way color is handled. If the characters are one type of animal, you must change them to another. All students will hand in the prints that they worked from with their work. You may also invent scenes, but they must be based on a cartoon cell, or a photograph (do 6).due November 3.
