The Artist's Magazine, January/February 2012 - Artist's Network

sagging folds that do not contribute to theoverall form. The design of a draped figuremust be intriguing in its overall gesture as wellas in the relationship of each portion to thewhole.”Or, as I like to say: “The meaningfularrangement of folds on a figure createsdesign.” As all good drawing involves bothtranslation and interpretation, it’s importantto understand the necessity of editing. Designimplies eliminating some elements andamplifying others. The process of analysis andselection is essential in creating drawings thatgo beyond the mere reporting of facts.The Potential of FoldsNow as you look at clothing, you should beable to interpret what you’re seeing. You shouldknow that you’re seeing folds, not just wrinkles,and that certain principles govern the creationof these forms. Perhaps as you look at the workof a great master, you’ll begin to discern his orpoint of support“The design of a drapedpoint of supportfigure must be intriguingin its overall gesturevertical folds—long drop foldsinfluenced bythree points ofsupportas well as in the relationshipof each portion tothe whole.” George Bridgmanpoint ofsupportDrop FoldThe drop fold is an irregular fold characterized by its vertical or droppingnature from one or more points of support. Drop folds may contain smallspiral, zigzag or half-lock folds as they cascade downward, influenced primarilyby gravity, but also by the form underneath. A garment draped overthe back and seat of a chair will form a series of drop folds between thetop of the chair and the lower points of support, as shown here. At times adrop fold may become a “flying drop” when the force of gravity is replacedby the wind and the folds become horizontal in nature. A flag fastened to apole while the wind is blowing is a typical example of a “flying drop” fold.96 www.artistsmagazine.com