Series 25: WORKING WITH HALFTONES

Shadows in Halftones- S25L4

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This lesson is S25L4, Shadows in Halftones of the WORKING WITH HALFTONES series.    Beginning with her study from Lesson 3 of this Series, Dianne demonstrates how to interpret transition values as seen in plein air.  Transition values are those shadows and lights that are rendered in the same value range according to whether they appear as shadows in halftones or as shallow shadows.

Under a direct light source, between center light and shadow exists halftones.  It is within these halftone areas that we find  local color–hue,  intensity, value and temperature at their truest registration.  Most likely, photos will not show nuances within these that the human eye can detect.  This   series of lessons explore how to read and interpret these nuances.

 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.