Part 6 (2/2)

B, in which the curtains are tied back between one-half and two-thirds of the length and below the center continues to be interesting because--

1. The two sides are alike, but the top half is not exactly like the bottom half. This variation makes it more pleasing.

2. Although the top half of each side is larger than the bottom half, it does not look top-heavy because the tying back of the curtain gives a place for the eye to rest. It holds the same amount of attention as the long length of curtain above it.

C, in which the tie backs are placed at a point below three-quarters the length of the curtain, is not interesting for any length of time because--

1. The eye travels very far down the length of the window, then is suddenly interrupted by the tie back.

2. This arrangement is top-heavy.

3. The window s.p.a.ce is not pleasing.

D is exactly the reverse of B, so it is equally interesting.

[Sidenote: Further use of ill.u.s.trative material]

”Suppose we now look at these curtained windows from the outside. Do you think that the arrangements which we decided are most pleasing from the inside are equally pleasing from the outside?”

After examining the arrangements of curtains at the windows the pupils may be led to decide that B and D continue to be the most pleasing.

”Since we are now agreed that in B and D the tie-backs divide the curtains so that the s.p.a.ces are most pleasing, would you like to determine just where the division comes in each of the curtains?” Some of the members of the cla.s.s will be eager to take the measurements and report on them. They will find that in--

[Sidenote: Cla.s.s determines best division of s.p.a.ce]

A the division is exactly in the center of the length.

B the division comes at a point between one-half and two-thirds of the length.

C the division comes at a point more than three-quarters of the length.

D the division comes at a point between one-half and two-thirds of the length.

At this point it will be well to direct the attention of the cla.s.s to the possibility of s.p.a.ce division in other places. ”Do you think that there are s.p.a.ces, other than windows, which could be satisfactorily divided according to the same measurements?” Members of the cla.s.s may suggest panels in doors, divisions in dress, and the like.

”Marie is making a plain one-piece dress. The narrow belt is to be of the same material. Where would be the best place for her to place the belt?” Try placing a belt on a plain one-piece dress or provide three tracings of such a dress with the belt placed as follows:

In one the belt divides the dress in two equal parts.

In the second the belt is placed so the skirt is a little longer than the waist.

In the third the belt is placed at normal waistline. (With a long skirt this makes the skirt very much longer than the waist.)

Measurements may again be taken and compared with the divisions of the window. The cla.s.s may be led to decide that a plain dress is divided best by a belt which comes some place a little above or below the center of the total length.

[Sidenote: Cla.s.s develops statement of principle for good proportion]

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