|
One way to see and identify values is by making small
rough drawings called thumbnail sketches. They serve two purposes. They
help to determine the dominant value for the whole scene, which helps to
set the mood, and they easily manipulate the contrasts between specific
areas in the scene, which makes the final picture easier to read. A good
thumbnail will save you from making adjustments later in the painting
process.
- To determine the values squint at your subject. Simplify the shapes.
Study the location of contrasting values. Identify the light, medium
and dark value masses. Sometimes it is easier to see these shapes in
black and white rather than in color.
- In your first thumbnail sketch, draw only the outlines of the
simplified shapes. Later we will make value variations within these
shapes.
- Pay attention to the edges of these shapes. Like a jigsaw puzzle,
the pieces interlock with each other to create the whole picture.
Shapes do not exist in isolation, they all interact and connect. And
these shapes can be either positive or negative to the adjoining
shape.
- Using a full value range, select the light, middle, and dark values.
Basically a light value should be placed against a dark one and a dark
against a light. This is sometimes referred to as a checkerboard
concept. You will probably have to make some adjustments to the values
in your thumbnail sketches to achieve sufficient contrast even though
these adjustments may vary from what the scene really looks like. It's
ok to do this!
|
|
Online
Magazine for watercolor and acrylic artists and all art lovers
