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damn... I seriously had a really clever idea until I got down to the no ruler rule
Posted 62 months ago.
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If I am understanding assignment 3 correctly, you are looking for a life size image within a 12"X12" square and not just a 12"x12" crop?
Posted 62 months ago.
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Wow...this is going to be fun!!!!!
And intimidating.
Posted 62 months ago.
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So, If I understand the last assignment properly, If I took a picture of a flower in a pot, say it's a 12" plant, but had the background visible (call it 1 mile across waaaay in the distance.) Would that be legal? The plant is 12"high, in a square picture, but you can see the mountains. in or out?
Posted 62 months ago.
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This week is going to be a fun test of creativity.
Posted 62 months ago.
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In my best whiney voice with full-on pouty boo-boo lip "I want my camera back!" *foot stomp*
Nevertheless I shall persevere!
Posted 62 months ago.
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square foot - not a cubic foot.
Wow. Cubic foot would be hard! ::tempted to try::
Posted 62 months ago.
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 If I'm understanding you correctly, yes. I said life-sized twice. I meant it. :-)
 Ooh, good question. Hadn't thought of that. Some background stuff is OK. The subject of the photo should be life-sized (at 12x12) and the subject should be filling most of the frame.
 You just made my head hurt a little.
Posted 62 months ago.
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@d.rex: At the risk of sounding whiney, and I really hope I don't, I think you should take care of comments that imply that some work is not worthy of the submitter's pride. I think by virtue of a person submitting a photo to this group, one would have to assume that they feel it worthy. Everyone is not at the same level of knowledge, experience or equipment. I think that everyone should be in competition with themselves; we are trying to improve our own skills, not compete with each other's skills. I am not taking your admonition personally, but it did feel like an insult for anyone who has received any constructive criticism on their photographs. Hopefully, the critiques will get us thinking of ways to improve but not cause us to hesitate to submit our work. That being said, I don't believe it was your intention to insult, but only to remind us to submit our best work (in our own opinions), so I hope you don't mind my clarification. And please correct me if I'm wrong!
p.s. love the assignments, esp. the 12x12... challenging!
Originally posted 62 months ago.
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lrayholly edited this topic 62 months ago.
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@ Ira. If a person says in their cown comments, "well, I really didn't have an idea and so I just shot this" then I think we can safely say the submitter should have just passed. I would soooo much rather see a good idea executed poorly than a well executed yawn. I'll always help the creative person who tried and failed: for hours if necessary, because they are really trying. And that's what I see this group being about.
Posted 62 months ago.
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I think I half understand the last assignment, though it makes my head wuzzy to think about all that I have to think ;-) maybe I'll have to just try it and then I'll find out... how much is 12X12 anyway for us poor Europeans... Oh, I just saw it, I was probably too tired to notice.. 30x30cm
Originally posted 62 months ago.
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KatColorado edited this topic 62 months ago.
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@Protagonist: I think I can agree with you there, especially if someone says as much about their own photo, then there was no need to submit it. I just hope we're careful not to leave the impression that because of someone's skill level, they shouldn't be submitting here.
And I must agree that you have shown to many that you are willing to help! I've seen that very comment about you several times. It's much appreciated.
Posted 62 months ago.
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Dude, you're gonna make me have to THINK this week... I hope I can handle it.
Posted 62 months ago.
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 I'm actually thought I chose my words fairly carefully...and I apologize if they didn't come across that way. I intentionally said (twice) that the criteria here was that you should submit photos that you are proud of.
My only intent, as I think Dave echoed, is that I'd like to avoid the "I ran out of time to do something interesting, so I took this shot that I don't really like, but technically speaking I can claim that it is insert assignment here, so I'm submitting it."
That's all.
You're absolutely right that we are all at different levels. Sounds like we're saying the same thing...and I hope your clarification (and my clarification of your clarification) helps make that more...umm...clear. :-)
Posted 62 months ago.
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alaskanmariner [deleted] says:
Love the assignments Dave. Thanks for your advice for the group.
Posted 62 months ago.
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I am not sure about the sky assignment. Is it ok to have objects in the sky e.g. like in ambrosialove's awesome Fly So High picture of the last week or should it purely show the sky (e.g. like in this one).
Posted 62 months ago.
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 Intentionally not a lot of restrictions on that one. The sky should play a significant role in the photo. Let's leave it at that.
Posted 62 months ago.
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Hi noob here, first week . . . do the pics have to be dated Thursday, or Thursday after 10 PM Mountain Time? Just asking because I took an abstract this afternoon I'm pretty happy with . . . I will await your advice, and am feeling a little nervous about the whole thing anyway, so I'll probably go out and take another over the weekend . . . =-p
Nice to meet you all . . .
Posted 62 months ago.
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@d.rex: Thanks Dave :-)
Posted 62 months ago.
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Through the Veil [deleted] says:
@d.rex: Could you put a link on the front page for this thread to make it easier to reference?
Posted 62 months ago.
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I'm excited about the square foot....!
Posted 62 months ago.
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Yay! I can play again this week, thanks Dave :)
Oh and I don't think there was anything negative in your 'quality over quantity' spiel, I have submitted things I wasn't really proud of in the past, just to complete the assignment (see my crappy Matrix shot). I gave it a go, but shouldn't have posted it to the pool - I forgot it was supposed to be quality, not just a theme pool. That's why I didn't submit anything last week, I just knew I wasn't going to get anything I was happy with.
Posted 62 months ago.
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Oh, I LOVE abstracts. Going to have to think of something completely off the wall for that one ;¬)
We're having a heatwave over hear in the UK at the moment. Boring clouds! Give me some storms next week please. Good week for sunset/sunrise pics.
The 12"x12" one is going to be fun. I'll probably do a still life with that one. Square pic? I can feel my Duaflex coming out again!
Ah, I love the assignments this week. Probably my favourite so far. Going to put some extra effort in to do something exceptional (hopefully!) ;¬)
Posted 62 months ago.
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My suggestions seem to go over like a lead brick, but it's nice to see the "proud" thing, Dave. And Iray, I have "settled" for photos, but not because they're bad. I try not to even bother uploading things I don't want others to see.
@Dave, has anything been done to limit membership? I used to be able to see and comment on every picture; now I don't have time, and I often spend what time I do have on the people I consider my friends, the people who comment on my photos, the people with whom I've developed a relationship.
I would hate to see this get like 365 Days in size. So that's my question. Do you have a membership limit? When others drop out, can a waiting list member replace?
Posted 62 months ago.
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Dang - had to make things tough for a newbie didn't ya?! LOL!
I was all excited until I got to the 3rd one. Nevertheless, I am STILL excited!
Posted 62 months ago.
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I'm still a little confused about the 3rd assignment...but I also haven't finished my coffee yet...I'm sure it will be clear when my cup is finally empty ;-) You seem to have given a lot of detail about it...so I'm sure it's just my brain not quite functioning yet.
The first 2 assignments sound like fun and I can't wait to try to make them a bit more interesting!!!
As for the "submit just to submit" topic...I have to say that I was somewhat a culprit of this on the dance assignment. As I said in the cool kids thread...I didn't want to fail myself by not submitting something. I wasn't 100% happy but I also wasn't completely horrified of it either. I thought that the execution of my idea was done well....just more movement could've been used.
Posted 62 months ago.
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I'm new, so I just wanted to make sure I'm playing right. I submitted two photos this week that I was very happy with, but may not have grasped all the expectations in the assignment. One (riding my bike) is definitely motion stopped in time, but you can't really tell. I took photos of my speedometer, so you can see how fast I was riding, but they aren't as good as the front wheel with the pavement. I like the photo itself. Then my dancing neighborhood guy has already been criticized for not getting him in motion. He was in fact dancing for me, but the photo submitted was at the end when I had a chance to focus properly (as I said in my description, the ones of him moving were not good photos). So I submitted what I thought were good photos. Does that fit within the rules, or should I have sat out because I couldn't think of anything else?
That all said, I'm super excited about this week's assignments. I can't wait to get started.
Originally posted 62 months ago.
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Jessica Leas Photography edited this topic 62 months ago.
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I sense that the abstract assignment is going to cause a lot of fuss this week. I've paid a tiny bit of attention to the chatter over in the abstract group and it seems that people's ideas of abstract vary greatly.
But, before it's an issue, I wanted a tiny bit of clarification - anyone taking a photo of an abstract piece of art hanging on their walls isn't going to be able to submit that, right? I mean, that's not 'abstract photography' - it's a photo of an abstract painting. Hopefully nobody will attempt to do that, but just in case . . .
Posted 62 months ago.
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 You make a good point - photos of things that are already abstract shouldn't be considered for this assignment, at least from how I'm reading it.
You should take a picture of something in an abstract way - for the lines, the shapes and the colours. Patterns, anything that looks interesting. You shouldn't be able to easily tell what it is.
There have been some good examples of this in previous assignments - I'll try and dig a couple out later.
I've read the discussions in the abstract group too - they're quite precious about keeping the pool "pure" (understandably) but they just can't seem to agree on what a proper abstract is! I can see the comments thread on this will be used a lot this week ;¬)
Posted 62 months ago.
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First off, we know who we are when Dave talks about posting pictures you're not terrible proud of. If you don't think that applies to you, then it probably doesn't. One person's best is completely different than another person's best, but many of us call ourselves out on how crappy with think our pictures are. I am guilty of this crime and will cease and desist from this point forward.
Now, about those assignments. My brain is bleeding from all the discussion about abstraction and the square foot. But I think I get it. These are totally my kind of assignments.
Posted 62 months ago.
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I am glad you brought up the "photos that you are proud of" issue. Since joining this group, my schedule has gotten busier, and I admit I posted a less than stellar IMO shot for the stop action assignment. I honestly tried to get a good shot and spent a good bit of time on it, but still failed to get something I was proud of. That said, before reading your suggestion, I was wondering if I should stay in the group, as I expect I may not be able to complete all assignments successfully each week. Am I correct in understanding it is OK to not be a "cool kid" all the time?
Looking forward to the assignments this week!
Originally posted 62 months ago.
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Gwyn Michael edited this topic 62 months ago.
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Darn...
I was really looking forward to the white 12x12 piece of paper assignment. (actually, I had a great idea about a piece of paper in a snow storm---wow, the possibilities with that one are staggering)!
Hi O Silver Away!
Posted 62 months ago.
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Ms Evilmightyacorn did what I think is an excellent abstract of a sign back in week 8:
Getting close into a subject is going to be good for this, or perhaps use long exposures and movement to make some shapes with light. Lots of colour, shapes and patterns - the more random the better!
At least, that's how I see this. Feel free to make up your own mind ;¬)
Originally posted 62 months ago.
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rutty edited this topic 62 months ago.
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Just thought I'd post an alternate definition of "abstract" since it seems that the discussion above leans toward that assignment. Unfortunately I do not recall where I got this definition...but I used it for another group that I help administer.
Abstract Photography: In reality it is hard to define - as with any type of artwork it must be treated subjectively as every individual concept of reality will differ from one person to the next. It is based on individual experiences, social interactions and cultural backgrounds. In essence an abstract photo presents a viewer with an image that is not immediately identifiable. It can be a collection of shapes, patterns, colours, or a play of light - natural or not. It will be something that can be interpreted a million different ways - something that will have a different meaning from one person to the next.
These are a couple that I've done...and to some they may not be abstract....to others they might (Dave, feel free to delete/edit this comment if I shouldn't post this here).
 
Originally posted 62 months ago.
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pi c's edited this topic 62 months ago.
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 The photos must have been taken AFTER reading the assignments and they must be added to the pool BEFORE 10 PM on the due date.
 Unfortunately, I can't add very many links to the home page because the number of characters allowed in that section is VERY (annoyingly) limited. Search for "14 assignments" if you need to find it.
 Nothing yet on the membership limiting front...I haven't had/made the time to deal with it. But I agree that we need to do something soon.
 If you're happy with them, submit them!
I would agree that a photo of an existing piece of abstract art would be fairly lame for this assignment.
 It is totally OK not to be a cool kid. Heck...go back and see how many assignments Protagonist has submitted! Really...do any/all of the assignments. Your call.
 While I did do a close-up street sign shot, that's not it. That lovely one was done by evilmightyacorn. Sick Little Monkey also did one that was quite awesome. :-)
 Yeah...that definition works too, I think.
Posted 62 months ago.
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I think the reason that "abstract photography" is hard to define is that it's just a metaphor; by its very nature all photography is representational art and "abstract photography" just looks like it's non-objective.
Posted 62 months ago.
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Cheers for the heads up Mr Rex - amended my post ;¬)
Posted 62 months ago.
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Thanks. Got it.
Posted 62 months ago.
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The abstract group is a great one to learn from! Their guidelines for submission are quite good. No photos of paintings, no heavy software editing, no MACROS! The last one makes it hard for me. I use my macro lens for nearly ever shot I make. But I like the challenge. I've submitted just 2 shots to that group in all my time on flickr.
The cubic foot idea is great! Do we get special bonus points, Dave?
Posted 62 months ago.
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 said No photos of paintings, no heavy software editing, no MACROS!
Except Dave did say that you could create your entire image in editing software, so that doesn't really apply to us. I'm certain he'd let an abstract macro slide by as well.
Posted 62 months ago.
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Heh...yeah, but evilmightyacorn is definitely not a "Mr"...
"Day 29 - Reclining Girl" by evilmightyacorn [?]
:-)
Just to be clear: We're using the rules I laid out for this assignment, NOT what that group says. Macros are fine. Photoshop is fine.
Sure...bonus points for 3D cubic foot photos. But any 2D photos (ya know, the kind flickr lets you post) better meet the original requirements. :-)
Originally posted 62 months ago.
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d.rex edited this topic 62 months ago.
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I think I know what you're looking for with the 12X12, but could you provide a pictoral example possibly? I don't think the mini-hangover is helping AT ALL with my brain function this morning : )
Posted 62 months ago.
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Dave - you're right. She's defo not a mister! Amended again ;¬)
Posted 62 months ago.
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 awww shucks. I love abstract... I'm all over the abstract. I must have missed the post earlier when I was a Mr! ROFL! I get that a lot when I'm gaming... people always think I'm a man playing a girl and I'm like no really... I'm a chick... and they're like no you're not... and I'm like no really.... I swear...
:)
 I am truly not even remotely understanding what the hell this 12x12 thing is. You said not a 12x12 crop. Um ok? I was thinking the photo had to be 12x12, but then you're saying that's not it... so now I'm totally and utterly lost. I have absolutely no idea. I need to see examples to understand I think. I'm a visual person... I have to see things to get them.
<3
Posted 62 months ago.
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The interior of my kitchen sink is 12x12. I don't know if I'll be using that fact or not, but I am intrigued. I'm excited. Great assignments!
Posted 62 months ago.
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Think of the 12x12 like this. Take a photo of something that's 12 inches tall. Fill the frame with all of it in - crop it square. IF you blew it up to 12"x12" it'd be life-size.
So, take a photo of something. Crop it square. IF you blew it up to 12"x12" it'd be life-size. So, no landscapes ;¬)
Posted 62 months ago.
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here's another prior abstractish thing I did....
this was a hopscotch board
So you can take any mundane item and do crazy abstract things with it... turn your camera on a weird angle and get into a macro frame of mind. My suggestion is to get close, and move the camera around a bit. You'll be surprised and what types of things look interesting. Things that have multiple bright colors are great, textures are fantastic! Don't be afraid to get super close and don't be afraid to turn your camera on a 45 degree angle...
Posted 62 months ago.
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and  Sorry, didn't mean to add confusion to the assignment. I just really like how difficult the abstract group makes it. Really makes it challenging.
Posted 62 months ago.
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I didn't realize abstract would be so hard for people to define, or that anything would think about taking a picture of abstract art. It's funny how we interpret things so differently.
Regarding the 12" x 12" assignment. I suppose you could, if you've got good enough resolution, put a card or floor tile that's a foot square in the picture, off to the side, so that you can get that actual size relative. Or you could put the thing on a 12x12 board and shoot down. I think this calls for a cake! ;)
Posted 62 months ago.
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Another noob here, looking forward to the challenge.
Posted 62 months ago.
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If the photo file has 300 dpi, then the 12 x 12 would have 3600 x 3600, or 12.96 megabits. Is that right? A big file, maybe that's not right.
I was thinking of a photo of one square foot of blue sky. That would be rahter abstract, this satisfying all three assignments. I haven't take the photo yet, so it's conceptual art. Homage to Sol Lewitt.
@dfb. Clearly the only appropriate cake subject would be a true pound cake - oune pound butter, one pound sugar, one pound flour, done in a 12" x 12" pan.
Originally posted 62 months ago.
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John Mark van Rozendaal edited this topic 62 months ago.
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I've got a rafters square you can borrow; just put it in front of your subject and crop it out at the 12" mark in either direction when you're done, and you've got it perfect.
 You math looks right, but you can definitely print 5MP photos just fine a lot bigger than 12x12, so worrying about keeping 300 dpi probably isn't necessary. Plus, the assignment doesn't say your image actually has to look good viewed 12x12, just that it would be life size if it was.
Posted 62 months ago.
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This look wonderful. I have been guilty of just posting to post in the past. I wasn't able to do anything this last week because I've been icky. These look like tons of fun. I can't wait to try.
Posted 62 months ago.
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WOW had a long day at work with no chance to check "in" with the group. Fantastic assignments!
Posted 62 months ago.
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I admit - I totally punted week 13's "dance" assignment, and posted something I didn't like. I'm looking forward to week 14, not only because I am DETERMINED to do submit things I'm proud of, but also because I love the assignments. "Sky" in particular really floats my boat - we have gorgeous sunsets here in Fort Worth.
Originally posted 62 months ago.
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NW Sunshine edited this topic 62 months ago.
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A little cavill with Dave's description of assignment 141. Wikipedia is quoted briefly in its treatment of a complex issue: "Abstract art is now generally understood to mean art that does not depict objects in the natural world, but instead uses color and form in a non-representational way."
The article goes ont to say, "In the very early 20th century, the term was more often used to describe art, such as Cubist and Futurist art, that depicts real forms in a simplified or rather reduced way—keeping only an allusion of the original natural subject. Such paintings were often claimed to capture something of the depicted objects' immutable intrinsic qualities rather than its external appearance. (See abstraction.) The more precise terms, "non-figurative art," "non-objective art," and "non-representational art" avoid any possible ambiguity."
The assignment does not use one of the precise terms, therefore does not avoid ambiguity. Just an observation, I don't have a problem with ambiguity.
Get this. Wikipedia says later:
"Abstract designs have also existed in Western culture in many contexts. However, Abstract art is distinct from pattern-making in design, since it draws on the distinction between decorative art and fine art, in which a painting is an object of thoughtful contemplation in its own right." Pretty dicey if you ask me.
Posted 62 months ago.
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Wow! More challenging and creative assignments. And people have been hard at work already, creating wonderful images. Can't wait to view them all!
Posted 62 months ago.
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I'm confused. The assignment says:
Abstract art is now generally understood to mean art that does not depict objects in the natural world, but instead uses color and form in a non-representational way.
One of the precise terms you said the assignment doesn't use is right there at the end of that sentence.
I'm not claiming that that's THE definition of abstract art, but it was intended as the definition for the purpose of this assignment.
Posted 62 months ago.
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