Creating TENSION! In my ART?
Creating Art is suppose to be meditative. Full of Harmony and Peace.
But actually many art pieces are full of tension and scream for more.
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| Bunnies Love Blackberries - Matted 20 x 16 - $550 |
The Creative Process is different for each artist. The need to bring your ideas to life is often overwhelming. But at the same time there is a strong desire to make something that "grabs attention" and tells your story.
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For Further Discussion on Composition see my YouTube video "Making Collage Fodder teaches Composition, Colour Theory and More.
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When I was in South Africa this summer I visited a variety of gallery and arts exhibits. It was really intriguing to see art forms different from my norm. I know we see lots of art on the Socials but to see it in life is to see it at an entirely different level.
I have been experimenting with compositions that create Visual Tension. Usually they involve having a main focal point and a strong secondary one. When I saw 'Traverse' by Everette Duarte, my attention was definitely 'Grabbed"!
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| Everette Duarte - Traverse |
That is what "Visual Tension" is all about.
The viewer's eye is grabbed and kept circling back to the 2 images. One, definitely the focal point and the other secondary but still demanding. Certainly makes for a memorable piece.
Another very memorable piece was "Zebras" by Gavin Collins. It was sitting on an easel at the entrance of a small gallery. It was approx. 4 x 5 ft and yes, it was an eye grabber. It told the story of the wildlife in so many ways. It makes a real emotional impact.
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| Gavin Collins - Zebras |
Yes, the emotional impact is strong but it is further strengthen by its composition. It is simple and yet so demanding. Why is that? Certainly the Rules of Thirds is broken here.
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| Closeup of the Zebras in Gavin Collins Painting |
In this picture the Zebras are definitely the focal point. But check, does your eye stay there or jump up to the 'space'. In this case the 'space' is that secondary focal point. Notice too, the space is centered above. The top corners are darken to 'keep the eye inside the painting'.
On a side note, I think a nice touch in this painting is that bit of dark on the left corner. It is a great lead in to the main subject. I am sorry you can only see this as a small picture on your screen as in real life, it is a 'grabber'.
These paintings are a bit overwhelming but at the same time provide lots of inspiration. I wanted to try new compositions in my work and was fascinated with the idea of visual tension and the different way it could work. Suddenly, I could see examples everywhere. Sometimes deliberate and sometimes I think created by accident. (By accident, I think the artist just had that 'feel' that their composition was right. But if asked would not articulate it, in that way.)
I think my latest painting 'Bunnies Love Blackberries' was a bit like that. I really felt that rabbit needed to be in the bottom corner but at the same time I kept wanting to move him up.
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| Bunnies Love Blackberries - Can you feel the Visual Tension? |
When I painted the picture I started at the top and then danced around. I immediate became uneasy with the shiny leaves at the top right. Were they too bright? Did they draw too much attention? I fought my fears and kept going.
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For Further Discussion on Composition see my YouTube video "Making Collage Fodder teaches Composition, Colour Theory and More.
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I am thrilled with the results. This picture is all about things I love: seeing rabbits on my walks, picking blackberries on the trail, the bits of dead and dying leaves and the life under the blackberries bushes. I think the composition worked.
I see the viewer's eye going right to the rabbit but then the bright, shiny leaves at the top right call to the eye. Up it goes. There is lots to interest it, leaves, berries and things in the dark. But the rabbit seems to also calling the eye back. Whether it drops down or circles to the left, the eye is heading back to the rabbit. And the cycle continues.
My painting may not be exotic lions and zebras, but it still grabs the eye and takes it for a ride. Give it a try. Check out other works. Do you see it happening in other works?
Exciting Things Coming Up
1. Christmas Show + Christmas Card Class:
SHOW: Sat & Sun, Dec 6 & 7, 2025 10-5PM
CLASS: Sat, Dec 6, 1-3pm
PLACE: Timms Community Centre, Gym - 20399 Douglas Cres, Langley
CLASS: Sat, Dec 6, 1-3pm
PLACE: Timms Community Centre, Gym - 20399 Douglas Cres, Langley
REGISTER: Langley Arts Council
COST: By Donation
Come, enjoy my latest work, learn some drawing skills and create Cute Christmas Cats and Dogs Cards!! Looking forward to seeing you there.
COST: By Donation
Come, enjoy my latest work, learn some drawing skills and create Cute Christmas Cats and Dogs Cards!! Looking forward to seeing you there.
2. Online Drawing Lessons with Wendy Mould, AFCA, CDM.
Enhance Your Drawing Skills – Outdoor Sketching Starter – Pen & Watercolour
for Explorers
COST: Early Bird $75 After Feb 10, $90
REGISTER: Contact Wendy
Outdoor sketching is drawing and painting from
life, full of adventures. Capturing the special moments in nature.
2
Hr Classes with access to recordings for limited time, individual
discussion on weekly projects.
Mediums: pencil, pen & watercolour.
Beginners
to Advanced Welcome.
Original work, Commissions, Private Drawing Lessons, Prints and Cards of her Work,
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Have a great Artful Day,
