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VALUE, COLOUR AND COMPOSITION:
A STUDIO WORKSHOP “A picture reads more clearly when it is built on four, well-separated tones (values).” F. Webb, Artist Guide to Composition Artists are always seeking ways to create paintings that have a strong composition. I believe that creating a balance of the values on the painting surface is the best way to achieve a strong composition. What does this mean? 1. Simplify your reference by reducing the image to four or five simple shapes The amount of information found in nature can be overwhelming. Squint to simplify and see masses. This simplification provides a structure for designing the value areas in a painting. A painting with too many values and shapes is confusing. 2. A balanced arrangement of different tones (values) creates an effective compositions. Making a basic tone (value) sketch of your painting solves composition issues and allows you to focus on colour and technique. Decide which value will be dominant in the painting- white, grey or black. There are many combinations to work with and will depend on what emotion you wish to convey in the painting. Painting with a large black area, medium area of grey and small area of white will produce a dramatic image (low key). Designing the picture plane with a large white area, medium grey area and small black area will produce a lighter, uplifting painting( high key). An example of this would be the work of W.J. Turner. 3. Many paintings are designed with a large mass of mid-tones. A middle value is the body that holds the painting together; against it one can see both lights and darks. 4. Avoid placing shapes of the same value and size side-by-side or above and below each other. A transition of values leads the eye through the painting. 5. The value masses carry paintings more than anything else. They are what the viewer will see from across the room. During my workshop a collage approach is used to create value sketch as pieces of paper can be moved around to find the best division of space. Tonal sketches of pen and ink, pencil, marker or paint are also effective. I appreciate the following positive endorsement from Don Cavin. “That is one of the best exercises one could ever do in learning to paint.” Don Cavin - artist and instructor |
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contact Nancy via the contact form
or email: [email protected]
Copyright 2019: Nancy Jones Design: Pro Bono Publico
