Design Principles | Task 2 : Visual Analysis and Ideation

24/02/2026 - 10/03/2026 (Week 4 - Week 6)

Yong Xiao Tong / 0368290

Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media 

Task 2 : Visual Analysis and Ideation

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Instructions

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Task 2

In this task, I will analyse the selected design work from Task 1 by observing its visual elements and design principles. I will explain how composition, colour, form, and visual storytelling are used in the artwork. Based on this analysis, I will then sketch 3 design ideas inspired by the design.

Chosen Artwork

Title: Bataille sous l'étoile
Artist: Jean Mallard
Year: 2024
Media: Watercolour on paper
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/C19_EBEtSOO/

Phase 1: Observation

This artwork is presented in a verticle format. In the foreground, dark trees appear on both the left and right sides, framing the scene. Behind the trees, there is a large battlefield filled with many small figures. Some figures are riding horses while others are holding weapons and flags. The figures appear scattered across the hill, creating a busy and detailed scene. In the background, a castle sits at the top of the hill. Above the castle is a blue and purple night sky with a single bright star.

The colour palette mainly consists of cool tones such as blue, purple, and green. The trees are painted in darker shades while the sky is lighter. The characters are drawn very small but with visible details such as armour, swords, and flag banners. The castle is painted with soft colours and simple shapes, making it stand out clearly against the sky. Overall, the artwork contains many small visual elements that together form a large narrative scene.

Phase 2: Analysis

The composition of this artwork creates a strong sense of depth and structure. The dark trees in the foreground act as a natural frame, directing the viewer’s attention toward the centre of the image. This framing also separates the composition into foreground, middle ground, and background, helping to organise the complex scene.

The middle ground contains the most active part of the artwork. The many small figures, horses, and raised weapons create movement across the battlefield. These repeated figures and gestures guide the viewer’s eyes across the scene. The castle placed near the centre helps create balance in the composition, while the repetition of characters and flags creates visual rhythm.

Colour contrast also plays an important role. The darker tones of the trees contrast with the lighter sky, helping to highlight the main scene. The single bright star in the sky creates emphasis because it is the only bright element in that area. Harmony and unity are created through the consistent watercolour style and the limited cool colour palette.

Phase 3: Interpretation

This artwork appears to depict a fantasy battle taking place below a distant castle. The magical night sky and the glowing star create a mysterious and imaginative atmosphere. The castle suggests a fantasy setting similar to those commonly found in fairy tales or medieval stories.

Image A: Hansel and Gretel by Kay Nielsen

The storytelling quality of this artwork is similar to classic fairy-tale illustrations such as Hansel and Gretel by Kay Nielsen (Image A). In many fairy-tale illustrations, castles, forests, and dramatic landscapes are used to create a magical narrative environment. Nielsen’s illustrations for Hansel and Gretel also show carefully composed scenes with strong atmosphere and fantasy elements. Likewise, Bataille sous l’étoile presents a moment within a larger story, encouraging the viewer to imagine what is happening in the scene.

The artist, Jean Mallard, often creates detailed watercolour illustrations that resemble storybook worlds. In this artwork, the trees in the foreground frame the scene and guide the viewer’s attention toward the battle and the castle. This layered composition creates depth and gives the impression that the viewer is observing the event from a distance. Overall, the artwork combines fantasy imagery, storytelling, and strong visual composition to create an immersive and imaginative scene.

References:
https://arthive.com/kaynielsen/works/204168~Illustration_for_the_tale_Hansel_and_Gretel_by_the_brothers_Grimm 


Sketch Ideas

Sketch 1

In this artwork, I wanted to show a calm public space, so I placed a bright building at the center of an open plaza. People are casually walking around, giving the scene a peaceful and relaxed feeling. The bright building stands out against the darker surroundings, naturally drawing the viewer’s attention. By repeating the human figures across the plaza, I hoped to create a sense of movement and rhythm. At the same time, the balanced placement of the people helps the scene feel harmonious and connected to the architecture.

Sketch 2

This sketch came from the idea of a staircase rising through clouds toward a glowing building. I wanted the staircase to feel like a journey, so the figures moving upward help show a sense of progress and movement. The repeated steps and people create a rhythm that guides the viewer’s eye along the path. The glowing building contrasts with the darker sky, making it feel like a destination or goal. I also arranged the trees and staircase symmetrically to create balance, and added warm lighting to give the whole scene a sense of unity and calm.

Sketch 3

For this sketch, I explored the idea of life choices using glowing portals in a dark mountain landscape. The bright portals stand out against the night, making them the main focus of the scene. I repeated the arches and figures to guide the viewer’s eye along the path and to create movement. I also made sure the figures and portals were balanced across the composition, which helps the scene feel harmonious. To me, the artwork represents the different paths people can take in life, with each portal offering a unique journey.

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Feedback

Sketch 1 looks good. The composition is strong and effectively uses the foreground, midground, and background to create depth. The central building acts as a clear focal point, supported by the arrangement of surrounding elements. Overall, this is a strong analysis with good observation and explanation of the composition and visual structure. You may proceed with Sketch Idea 1 for Task 3.