The Magic of the Ballet Russes

Ballet Russes Exhibition

Wow, what an exhibition! The creative explosion that was The Ballet Russes, showcased the vivid and innovative dance costumes produced in the early 20^th Century by designers such as Pablo Picaso, Henri Matisse, Georges Braque and Natalia Goncharova to name a few.

As both a fashion and textile enthusiast, the quality and craftsman ship of the exhibitions 150 pieces left me completely breathless as they sat on display under the dim lights of the National Art Gallery of Australia.  While each garment and textile accessory was exquisite in its own right, three in particular stood out to me for both their use of innovation and pioneering design aesthetics.

1)  Costume for a Sea Horse (Sadko 1916)

2)      Costume for a Mourner (Le Chant du Rossingo 1920)

3)      Costume for a Male Guest (Le Bal 1929)

Image Models (Colour Modes)

Image Models (Colour Modes)


RGB (Red, Green, Blue)

·         RGB is the primary image mode for graphics. However it is important we remain aware of other image modes.

These additional modes include:

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key or Black)

·         It is faster to work with CMYK, however RGB creates a smaller file size making it perfect for the web.

·         CMYK appears ‘dulled out’ when printed, as it doesn’t use light when its printed out.

Gray Scale

·         Gray scale images include actual shades of grey.

·         You can make coloured images gray scale, but you cannot do the reverse.

·         You CAN turn a gray scale picture into a DUOTONE image (two colours)

BITMAP

·         BITMAP images are made up of black and white pixels only with no shades of grey or colour included.

Raster and Vector Images

Raster and Vector Images

Graphics software works with two file formats:

·         Raster Images (also known as bitmap), and

·         Vector Images

Photoshop

·         Uses bitmap (which is created using pixels)

·         These raster images are created when we take digital photographs and/or scan images, fabrics and drawings.

Illustrator

·         Uses vector

What are the Differences?

Raster Images

·         Measured in DPI,

·         Resolution dependant

(When scaled, the pixels get larger and make the image blurry or pixelated with jagged edges).

·         Edited using image editing software i.e. Photoshop.

·         You get the best results when you scan and work at the correct resolution and size from the beginning.

Vector Images

·         Created by a mathematical formula which forms smooth lines

·         Curves and geometric objects

·         Resolution independent (show examples).

·         Scaled up of scaled down without image deteriorating- they remain sharp and clear.

·         Make excellent line drawings- t-shirt images for sportswear etc.

·         Much smaller file size than BITMAP, making flats ideal to send via email.

·         Once downloaded can be scaled to required size.

Raster Selection (Complex)

Computer doesn’t know that all the pixels are part of the same object.

Vector Selection (Simple)

Just a matter of clicking on the shape to select individual parts.

Blog Loving

For this weeks homework we were asked to find and follow three blogs that we find interesting...piece of cake! Each of the blogs listed below are fabulous in their own right, so it serves as no task to share them with you.

Gritty Pretty

(http://grittypretty.com/)

I admire this blog for so many reasons, which is why it is somewhat sad that its creator Eleanor Pendleton (a born and raised central coast girl like myself!) has hung up her lipgloss to focus on her new job as Beauty Editor at InStyle Magazine. Not only do I enjoy the raw and beautiful voice that Eleanor has created through her posts over the years, but I adore the visual layout of this blog...plain, simple yet somewhat edgy, right? It is my belief that this blog has found the perfect balance between written and visual content, making it the perfect example of, well, the perfect blog!

Gary Pepper Vintage

 (garypeppervintage.blogspot.com)

I have watched Gary Pepper Vintage rapidly grow in readership over the past year. What started as a young girls dream to create a brand for the fun and quirky Japanese pop star, has quickly evolved into a booming online business that owner and creator Nicole Warne has worked tirelessly to produce. Blessed with amazing height and incredibly long limbs, Nicole and boyfriend Luke work together to produce amazing look book’s that feature both vintage and designer pieces that are alone an inspiration to simply observe. Much like Gritty Pretty, I love the immediacy of this blog and the friendly voice that has been created through Nicole’s posts. Not only does she make us feel like more of a friend than a reader, but she also works well to encourage both conversation and reader feedback!

[frockwriter]

(http://frockwriter.com/)

[frockwriter] is a fashion blog created and maintained by Sydney based Journalist Patty Huntington. It is different to Gritty Pretty and Gary Pepper Vintage in that it is not a lighthearted commentary on all things fashion, but instead a content heavy news blog. Interested in breaking fashion news? Then [frockwriter] is definitely the blog for you. Visually speaking, I love the simplicity of [frockwriter]. Not only is it incredibly easy to navigate around the page, but the side bar makes it effortless to follow the blog (and blogger) on other sites such as facebook and twitter. While its content can at some times be quite lengthy, I continue to find each of Patty’s stories interesting to read...but then again, my love for breaking news and gossip could make my opinion slightly bias!

R. 

What Makes A Great Blog?

Anyone can set up their own blog on the internet, but it requires both hard work and dedication to make a blog great.

While our blogs have been created for academic purposes, they (like any other blog) are still being used as a sole means of communication. As such, there are numerous blogging tips we can follow to ensure that our blogs successfully communicate our thoughts and ideas.


Content is Key!
Your content needs to be fresh and original! Interesting and engaging blog content will keep readers interested and coming back for more.

Maintain a ‘User Friendly’ Design
This will make it easy for people to navigate around your page and find the information they are looking for.

Develop Great Functionality
Blog functionality can not only improve your readership but it can also allow a chance for interaction. Customising your side bar, adding a sitemap and the inclusion of comment boxes can all increase your blog functionality.

Lists and Bullet Points
A text heavy blog is a turn off. Don’t be afraid to use lists and bullets points to communicate your ideas…the easier it is for your content to be absorbed the more return visits you’ll have!

Ask Questions
Blogs aren’t monotone…ask questions and provoke conversation and feedback.

Have Fun
Develop a voice and most all have fun with it!

R.