Series 9:

S9 L2 Patterns of Gradation

[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”24″ size_format=”px”]In this lesson, S9L2 Patterns of Gradation of  our  EXPLORING VALUE PATTERNS series,   Dianne explores how to uses a field of gradation as a value pattern to guide the eye when no visible pattern exists in the source subject.  Using as her subject, a molting male bluebird in a grassy area containing little value variation, she demonstrates one way to use gradation in the background as a method for guiding the eye.   She uses her newly developed Notan Value Scale (included with your video download) as a guide for showing where these values register on the scale and how we can interpret them within their contextual relationships.  [/typography].

[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”24″ size_format=”px”]  When we switch our attention from what a subject is to its various values in shadow and not-in-shadow, we find we are able to more confidently interpret our subjects.  Often the only thing that causes problems in our paintings is how we’ve interpreted the degrees of our values.  Many times that happens because we were more focused on the identity of the subject rather than the values that are within it.  Dianne hopes that this series will help artists struggling with values to find clarity and self confidence. [/typography]

[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”24″ size_format=”px”]Among contemporary artists whose work reflects a confident use of value patterns,  Qiang Huang stands out as a master.  Take a look at his work on his website Gallery.   Also, you can see examples of how Dianne works with values by visiting her on-line Gallery. [/typography]