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Crafting Gradations

Series 20: Working Value Shapes – S20L4

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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 S20L4  Crafting Gradations of the WORKING VALUE SHAPES series.  Beginning with her study from Lesson 3, Dianne demonstrates adjusting and refining gradations on forms and within space by locating the center light then adjusting the gradation within space away from it. Individual forms are gradated according to that light. Without GRADATION we would see everything flat.

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.