1 definition by Jim C. (BFA ‘98)
In regards to art, pringling (and, by extension, repringling) is a fundamental centered around the usage of 90° angles, curves or spirals, and the relationship of lines.
The basis for determining the ‘amount’ of pringling is the distance from the right angle(s). Further, pringlage will occur in two main types - high priority pringling further from the center of the main angle and lower priority closer to the main angle. The contrast between pringling curves and sharp 90° angles is the cornerstone of pringling.
Beyond the 90° angle is what is deemed a ‘Pringle-Free(PF) Zone’. As its name suggests, no pringling is visible or even implied within the margin of it. Artworks may have multiple right angles , and in turn, multiple PF zones.
Oftentimes, pringling is redefined using a technique called repringling. This presents the pringling in a different light, thus making the subject of an artwork more easily read. It was first observed in pieces depicting wildlife, due to the angle found in animal snouts. However, introduction of repringling in portraits soon followed. Size of repringling sections varies immensely, and the repringling itself can quickly be overlooked by untrained eyes.
Pringling continues to be unfavored by the art community as a whole; this is a lasting result of previous anti-pringling movements. It is by far the least utilized fundamental. Furthermore, most professional art schools outright refuse to teach it, despite the concept being relatively simple.
The basis for determining the ‘amount’ of pringling is the distance from the right angle(s). Further, pringlage will occur in two main types - high priority pringling further from the center of the main angle and lower priority closer to the main angle. The contrast between pringling curves and sharp 90° angles is the cornerstone of pringling.
Beyond the 90° angle is what is deemed a ‘Pringle-Free(PF) Zone’. As its name suggests, no pringling is visible or even implied within the margin of it. Artworks may have multiple right angles , and in turn, multiple PF zones.
Oftentimes, pringling is redefined using a technique called repringling. This presents the pringling in a different light, thus making the subject of an artwork more easily read. It was first observed in pieces depicting wildlife, due to the angle found in animal snouts. However, introduction of repringling in portraits soon followed. Size of repringling sections varies immensely, and the repringling itself can quickly be overlooked by untrained eyes.
Pringling continues to be unfavored by the art community as a whole; this is a lasting result of previous anti-pringling movements. It is by far the least utilized fundamental. Furthermore, most professional art schools outright refuse to teach it, despite the concept being relatively simple.
“Pringling has nothing to do with chips.”
“The Persistence of Memory (1931) by Salvador Dalí is an excellent example of pringling.”
“This would look better with some repringling.”
“At first I thought I saw pringling, but upon further inspection, I was looking in a pringle-free zone.”
“The Persistence of Memory (1931) by Salvador Dalí is an excellent example of pringling.”
“This would look better with some repringling.”
“At first I thought I saw pringling, but upon further inspection, I was looking in a pringle-free zone.”
by Jim C. (BFA ‘98) March 17, 2021