Picture This: How Pictures Work

In the final chapter, Bang discusses using cut paper to explore picture structure, then provides an exercise for readers to practice the principles outlined in the book. Bang explains that cut paper is an excellent tool for several reasons. First, construction paper is inexpensive, familiar, and non-threatening, reminiscent of childhood experiences when creating art was a deeply absorbing and enjoyable activity. Second, cut paper encourages experimentation, as each piece can be easily repositioned or replaced. This allows artists to play with individual elements and observe how changes affect the entire composition. Third, working with cut paper forces the artist to focus on the essential aspects of picture structure, such as emotional clarity, gesture, and overall cohesion, rather than becoming preoccupied with details or realism.

Bang then describes an exercise in which readers create an image of birds or sharks attacking a victim. Bang suggests this subject matter because scary pictures are often the easiest for beginners to make. She provides guidelines for the exercise, such as using only cut paper in three colors plus white and using one color twice to establish a meaningful association between two elements. Before starting, Bang advises readers to consider two key considerations: Which of the subject’s specific elements evoke fear, and what principles can be used to create fear in the viewer?