Shadow Meets Light

Series 20: Working Value Shapes – S20L2

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Values are determined by what is happening in two distinct areas of any scene or image, all that is within the reach of the light source and all that is in shadow.

 This lesson is S20L2  Shadow Meets Lightsof the WORKING VALUE SHAPES series.  Using her study from Lesson 1 of this Series, Dianne demonstrates how to interpret direct light, low light and halftones within light shapes along with reflected and ambient light in shadow shapes. Using minor and moderate contrasts, these variations create the textures we see.

Values are determined by what is happening in two distinct areas of any scene or image, all that is within the reach of the light source and all that is in shadow. Within areas hit by the light source, some are in being lit directly while others are turning slightly away. Within the shadows, light sometimes reflects and sometimes is totally excluded. All these behaviors create values.

This series explores how the artist can interpret the behaviors of light and of shadow.

This series of tutorials is presented in two pairs.  Lessons 1 & 3 are studies, each showing how to use a principle to resolve an issue.  Lessons 2 & 4 each take the previous study to a conclusion, showing how to use those same principles to bring convert the study into a painting.

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.