Composing and Drawing Tip of the Week.

December 6, 2014
 

We have learned that if a composition has a strong value pattern, it will make a good painting.  But a strong value pattern with points of emphasis to engage the viewer could be the difference between a mediocre work and an intriguing one.
  Here's such an example.


The notan study on the left shows a solid enough value pattern, but though the painting might have merit, it lacks intrigue. 

Tip:  After getting the major elements of a painting in place, look back to the subject for clues you can use to emphasize points of interest, places you can highlight or give a slightly stronger contrast.   

Scrutinizing the subject, I realized that the frontal areas of water were catching sparkles of light, so I added strong short strokes of white to that area.


Already, the painting becomes more engaging, but more is needed.  I continue to add sparkle to the water toward the middle and back.

 
Now, the painting has found new life, but is asking for some attention on the foliage.  With eyes squinted, I examine the subject again and see strong bits of light reflecting off the tips of the leaves overhanging both sides the water. Using these as clues, I created corresponding accents of light in the painting. 
 
Dianne Mize  "York Falls, Fourth Day"   Oil on Canvas
Joila!  Scrolling backwards, we can watch new intrigue enter into the painting with just a few extra points of emphasis, one of our most
effective tools for taking our artwork beyond mediocre to intriguing.  
 
Happy painting,
Dianne 
 
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