Mar 30, 2010

Breakfast Break – Sandhill Crane Series


I was reading the article "The Figure-Ground Conundrum" by Carl Purcell from one of my old "The Artist's" magazine (Dec. 2009) and found that it really hit home. I had been working on my little sandhill crane and wondering how to do the background. As I read the article I decided I would give it a try. The key principle is to explore various value shifts by putting light against dark and dark against light with transitions in between. It is so simple and something I do all the time but I never really put in this context before. I started working around my crane and just putting my darks against the light areas and my lights against the dark areas with a few grasses mixed in. Then, just as the article said, things that were suggested began to make sense. The result is a very interesting background and that really makes my crane pop. To top it off I put a touch of red on his head to make their very distinctive marking. I also dabbed a bit into the background so the red on his head would not be alone. This little picture "Breakfast Break" is only 3 x 4 inches but I do find it interesting.

6 comments:

m1 Designs said...

This is very nice Wendy. I like the little pop of red.

Wendy Mould AFCA said...

Thanks Maria

CountryDreaming said...

Looks like you've mastered this contrast technique quickly, easily, and beautifully. This crane Does pop ... but naturally and easily so. The hints of color are spot on.

Wendy Mould AFCA said...

I am glad that you like my picture. Thank you.

Unknown said...

Lovely job Wendy. I love this. Love the touch of color. Super job.

Wendy Mould AFCA said...

Thanks Dors, I knew you would enjoy that touch of color as I have seen you do it on your work as well. It really adds a different dimention.