Series 38: EXPLORING VALUE RELATIONSHIPS

Contrasts for Focal Points – S38L3

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 This lesson is S38L3, Contrasts for Focal Points of the EXPLORING VALUE RELATIONSHIPS Series.   Using as her reference an rocks in a creek, Dianne shows how to control the degree of contrasts that will guide the eye to a focal point in a painting.

Value relationships are created by the degrees of contrast and/or similarities among all the values within a visual art work.  Once we learn to read those degrees, we can use them to work with contrasts within gradations of value, to create focal points and to manage the overall unity of a work by controlling value fields.
The lessons in this series explore each of those techniques.

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 Rather than becoming refined paintings, all these lessons are studies, each showing a different approach for using a composing principle.  Dianne’s approach to teaching is to show you ways to think about making choices and decisions so that you can work these into your own unique approach to painting.

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With every brushstroke we make, we are composing.  Just as with any creation, we begin with a structure, then as the art work begins we place shapes and colors according the concept with which we are working.  But the time comes when we move to a different level of thinking and decision-making–that moment when our intention becomes to bring clarity and resolution to the work.

Among Dianne’s passions about painting and teaching painting is how composing principles can expand creative freedom if the artist transcends the “rule” idea and instead, transforms the principle into a tool that opens creative doors.

Read Dianne’s Compose blog posts HERE.  Visit Dianne’s website and example her work HERE.  And visit her YouTube Channel with dozens of Quick Tips HERE.