Values and Shadows are really great at HIDING!!
Yes, hiding.
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| Sketchbook: Trees in the Rain Forest |
They are like the stage crew in a theater production. The scene changes often happen right on stage with the curtains open. In the half light you might see them scuttle about lifting, changing and shifting things. But do you really 'see' them? Probably not. The performers are busy keeping your attention shinning in the bright light. That's where your eye really wants to be.
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Further discussion can be found on my YouTube: Sketchbook Activity - Values & Shadows.
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Take a look at my quick sketch of the trees and ferns. They are a very common sight along the west coast of Vancouver Island. Large sections of trees, logs and ferns all covered in a banket of moss.
What do you really see first?
Is it the trees, the leafy area on the ground, the soft tones of the mossy mound or is it the fern, fanned out at the base of the tree? I am betting it is the fern.
Why the fern?
It's those values created by the shadows. There is a strong shadow behind the fern. This makes it 'POP" and drags your eye there.
But there are other areas of really dark shadows. Why are they not 'popping'?
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| Trees in the Rain Forest with only 2 values - white & mid-tone |
They are hiding . . . Next to the other darks are mid Values. There is not the strong contrast of dark (Value 10 ) and white (Value 1).
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| Trees in the Rain Forest - Introducing some darks |
As soon as the Darks (Value 10) are introduced the sketch takes on a new life. The trees begin to move forward and back. The fern begins to fan out and draw the attention.
This sketch is still not done. It needs cohesion.
This sketch is still not done. It needs cohesion.
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| Trees in the Rain Forest |
Note how the midtones in the background suggest depth but also provide that bridge between the 2 clusters of trees. At the same time, the addition of the midtone and darks in the foreground brings a greater sense of depth to the scene and grounds it.
Values and Shadows are important. They organize and direct the eye movement in your painting. The results make your work more powerful.
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Further discussion can be found on my YouTube: Sketchbook Activity - Values & Shadows.
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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
This February I will be 'taking you out into
Nature". (Figuratively of course). The guided
drawing activities inspired by nature, teach you how to handle values,
search for patterns and learn drawing secrets from the 'little
things' on the forest floor.
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,
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