Reading and Translating Color Temperature
Color temperature is the focus of Reading and Translating Temperature. The lesson demonstrates how the color of illumination changes the colors we observe. This study takes a slightly different approach from previous lessons. Here we see how we can translate a scene under a warm light, then change it to a cool light. The objective is to become aware of light’s color temperature in order to keep our paintings in tune.
By isolating temperature away from hue, intensity and value considerations, Dianne uses a tertiary palette of colors to interpret the subject in warm light. Once the study is blocked in, she transposes the entire piece into a cool light. Practicing this exercise can help sharpen our awareness of light’s temperature effects on the colors we see.
You will find this lesson easier to understand if you first do Lessons 1, 2 and 3 of this Series.
To augment this study, check out the paintings of Richard Schmid.