LIGHT and SHADOWS.
They have been my constant friends this last few weeks. I have just finished 2 sets of Online classes focusing on these two friends.
They have been my constant friends this last few weeks. I have just finished 2 sets of Online classes focusing on these two friends.
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| Seagull on the Post - 5 x 7 - $75 (no mat) |
I know, we all understand light and shadows. We see them everywhere. However, the more I studied and talked about them, I realized the less I knew.
How can that be, you ask. I have been painting and drawing for over 25 years now, surely I would know all about them.
Well, if you follow my blog, you will seen my blog on Make Magic with Ambient Light. As I worked with students digging deeper into this type of lighting, I realized it had much greater implications.
In order to move forward, you needed to really understand the function of Reflective Light.
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There is further discussion on this topic on my YouTube post: Make Reflective Light Work for You.
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There is further discussion on this topic on my YouTube post: Make Reflective Light Work for You.
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| Seagull on the Post |
This resulted in an paint exercise with this little Seagull. He is a happy little guy perched on some pylons at a dock. He was most obliging to hold still while I got some clear shots of him basking in the sun. My exercise for the class was to change the background colour around him.
No more BLUE.
This proved to be a big change. In order to change the 'blue' to another colour each part of the painting had to then reflect the new colour. I choose pink/yellow for my background.
Suddenly everything I knew about Reflective Light went out the window!
As I painted each area I needed to evaluate what light was hitting it and what colour that light was. No more blindly following along where my photo took me. This by the way is where you find out how little your photographs really tells you.
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| Can I really put PINK on a WHITE seagull?? |
What colour is that shadow if it no longer reflects the blue from the sky?
What colours are the really dark spots? A cool black just doesn't cut it.
What colours are the really dark spots? A cool black just doesn't cut it.
What colour should the metal caps be? Should they really be pink?
Does this mean my seagull is no longer gray and white??
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| Reflective Light bounces everywhere!! |
Suddenly the colour of everything was in question. That simple little picture became very hard. In the end I was really pleased with this exercise. My students really felt challenged, they were excited with their results, and inspired to do more. As their teacher I was thrilled.
Take the Challenge, change up your "sky colour" and see where it takes you.
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There is further discussion on this topic on my YouTube post: Make Reflective Light Work for You.
There is further discussion on this topic on my YouTube post: Make Reflective Light Work for You.
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Taking Registrations for my Spring/Summer Events:
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Join me in the Shuswap for a 4 Day Art Retreat
hosted by Joanne Denis, June 20-23, 2025.
I will be the instructor for Outdoor Sketching. This is an all inclusive: food, instruction,
accommodations and drive from Lower Mainland.
$350-$600 depending on the room choices.
www.aventurasbc.ca
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Come Outdoor Sketching with me in local
parks. 2.5 hr $65. This is small group instruction, max 3. Dates to be determined as weather warms up,
contact me to get onto my call list.
- · Save the Date: next set of 3 Zoom classes Thursdays, October 9, 16 & 23. Enhancing Your Drawing & Painting Skills.
Original work, Commissions, Private Drawing Lessons, Prints and Cards of her Work,
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Have a great Artful Day,
Wendy
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