Series 28: USING ALTERNATION

Shifting Spaces- S28L2

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This lesson is S28L2, Shifting Spaces of the USING ALTERNATION series.  Using as her subject a mountain creek surrounded by trees, Dianne demonstrates how we can mentally shift positive space into negative for focusing our attention on alternating spaces between positive shapes.  As she moves throughout the lesson, we see how awareness of alternating the space size between images can create a more dynamic rhythm throughout a painting.

In visual composing, alternation means a sequence of repeated changes.  The two things alternating often are contrasted elements or technical maneuvers.  We use alternation to create a dynamic movement throughout our paintings. This series explores four types of alternating most commonly used by master painters.

 Rather than becoming refined paintings, all these lessons are studies, each showing a different concept for dealing with the principle of alternating.  Lessons Three is built on the study done in Lesson Two.  Lessons One and Four are independent studies.  If mastered, these four concepts can help any artist add a dynamic rhythm to their work.

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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.