Series 3: EXPLORING THE LOST EDGE

Gradating Through Edges- S3L4 Download

 This lesson is S3L4, Gradating Through Edges of the EXPLORING LOST EDGES Series.   Using as her subject a mountain creek surrounded by woods, Dianne shows how we can use lost edges to create distance by gradating background shapes, allowing one color to blend into another as values move gradually from dark to light.

We create lost edges by allowing values from adjacent shapes to merge rather than defining them so that the edge disappears.  Our sense of closure allows us to read the shape, even though some edges are absent.

Lost edges give both unity and intrigue to a two-dimensional work. They allow the artist to guide the viewer’s attention by losing edges where we want the eye to flow and sharpen edges where we want the viewer to pause.

 Rather than becoming refined paintings, all these lessons are studies, each showing a different approach for using color schemes.  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.