Golden Ratio

[stanchung]

For me i think it's good to check. Just a discrete marker dot on the edges of the tank. haha

[isaacgoh]

Regarding the miscue issue, I believe a lot of good artist do not deliberately use the golden section. It just became part of them.

However for us, maybe it is a good idea to tape some masking tape after putting the gravel. Then when we put in the hardscape and plants, we are able to identify the nicer positions. Just a suggestion.

Regards
cj

I think it's more of a habit already after many years of practice. I remember when I attended art classes the teacher will request us to split the drawing paper into boxes like what Stan did. Probably after years of practice, it has somehow got into their habit system to draw like that.

That's what separate a good from a great artist perhaps?

Anyway, Stan, I am still waiting for some of your replies. Slowly lah.

[stanchung]

2) "The 3D aspect of it is simple by drawing diagonal lines to enhance the perspective from the intersecting horizontal and vertical GS lines". Don't understand this, hard to imagine from your words. Can take your time elaborate? I am quite slow in picking up things like these.

CJ has a point. I normally have tiny to large rocks as the first layer from front to mid tank. Then fade again with small rocks towards infinity.
Rocks that are veiny with lots of details will enhance the sense of scale.

The same goes for the plants. Small ones that don't grow tall in front.

I like to layer the plants to give the illusion of depth. This can be done by using light coloured then dark coloured plants and so on to achieve a 'terraced' look.
The same reason in small or narrow depth tanks it's practically impossible to do this. If you can however, you might impress a few judges!

[isaacgoh]

Ok, got your point already.

Good explanation with the terracing and rocks, but does not explain the 3D use of golden ratio. Or is it you mean that at the GS area, use the terracing or rocks to make things 3D? hmm......

Tonight go back will use Marker to draw the GS for my next scape also.

[stanchung]

This is what i would have done with dom's tank. I hope you don't mind.

[stanchung]

Dither plant like the hairgrass fills up the tank to give a sense of lush growth. It also breaks up the two dark back edges of the tank.

There's also a good discussion at The Planted Tank Forum by Scolley listing out his notes of Amano's techniques at an AGA event. A great read IMO.

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/gener ... ntion.html

[isaacgoh]

Stan,

Adding the hairgrass at the back gives the tank more depth.

So, after your touched up, the GS of dom's tank would be on the right side, correct? Looks good on the overall but I still think the big hill smack right in the middle is too near the front in terracing sense.

[stanchung]

No, it's on the left. Agree the shape of the mound is ominous but with some trimming it can be a nicely layered with some thin branches poking out.

[isaacgoh]

Still on the picture, can the GS be on the right if we can enhance that area? I mean if we can create a really "deep" valley leading very far tp the back and beyond.

btw, agree with your ideas that it will enhance the mole hill...LOL.

[littar]

The magical number of 1.618 was featured in Aqua Juornal, and ADA had a detailed description on that article. Too bad, i just had a very brief read at the article during a get together session at Dom's place to other day. I am delighted when Stan post this topic.

Well, i am planning my next scape now. After carefully reading what Stan was trying to explain. I put the idea on drawing board, and actually try to scape my 2 feet tank with GS in mind!

This is what i finally came up with.


Picture 1

After carefully calculating the ratio by dividing the length , and the height too, of my tank with 1.618 ratio, i managed to plot the lines on Photoshop. Wow, the focus points magically appear on the screen. With the aid of GS, i manage to pin point 2 main focus points at my aquascape.

However, i do understand that 2 focus points are not desirable in a planted scape. As a result, i have to choose whether point A or B to be my aquascape focus point. This where experts' views are needed here.

Stan, Dom and guys, please comment what should i do next.

[littar]

This is the 2nd picture i took, and with the ratio of 1.618, i plot the lines. This 2nd picture is more realistic because it shows more than Picture 1. Picture 1 will be eligible for ADA competition as it was cropped at the bottom.


Picture 2

My question is: Should I include the dark areas (substrate area) in my calculation of 1.618? There will be minor shift of focus point. I notice that the golden nana are nearer to focus point A, if i were to use Picture 2 as the base of my calculation compared to Picture 1.

[littar]

My preferred scape will be :

Front focus point : Anubias barteri var golden nana (small size, lighter tone)
Rear focus point : Microsorium pteropus 'Phillipean' and Microsorium pteropus (bushy, darker shade)

The stem plants can be removed after the tank has matured. How should i position the front and rear point?

[andythology]

Littar, IMO I think that shouldn't include the height of your gravel, as well as your water level. If you have a 2' tank, minus ~2" gravel and ~1.5" water level to the top, you should have a ~20" height of measurement.

disclaimer:*I think*

[littar]

nD, i am not sure about this too. I think better to wait for Stan to clarify the matter.

[stanchung]

Still on the picture, can the GS be on the right if we can enhance that area? I mean if we can create a really "deep" valley leading very far tp the back and beyond.

My eyes tell me to read from left to right!