Values & Shadows: Sketchbook Activity - Painting & Drawing Tips

Values and Shadows are really great at HIDING!!

Yes, hiding.  

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'?

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).  

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. 

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

WHEN: Thursdays, Feb 12, 19, & 26  6:30-8:30pm PT
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.

Always  Available at Art by Wendy's Studio

Original work, Commissions, Private Drawing Lessons, Prints and Cards of her Work, 

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

Become Friends with Your New Painting Subject - Painting and Drawing Tips

Do you like to Walk?  I am a walker.  I like to walk along forested trails, preferably ones that have water near by.  

Trumpeter Swans on the Water - Matted 11 x 14, $____

My walks are more of a wonder, well that's what my daughter says.  I am not trying to get my 10,000 steps but rather I like to look about. Max loves to do that too.  I want to see what is growing, what birds are around, listen for sounds, enjoy the colours.  This time of year is great for colours on the trees, salmon in the river, mushrooms in the undergrowth and an eagle or heron waiting by the water's edge.  

And of course like all artists I take reference pictures.  

But Good Reference Pictures do not necessarily mean a good painting.  

Swans out on the bay, Comox Valley, BC

To paint a good painting of your subject you need to know more about it.  You need to understand what attracts you to the subject and develop a plan to bring that inspiration to life.  This is easy to do when your subject is a familiar one.  But when you embark on a new subject you need to become friends with it.  Get to know it.  

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Special Note: 
I will be giving an Artist Talk at the Semiahmoo Library, 1815 152 St, Surrey, on Thursday, Nov 7, 1-2pm.  An Interactive Presentation on "Bringing Nature into Your Sketchbook/Journal".  FREE - Register 604-592-6900  as part of Artswest Show in the Library.  

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How to become Friends with Your New Painting Subject

1. Do some research: 

I like to paint and draw wildlife.  So when I capture great pictures of a new bird or animal I do a bit of research.  I find out its name, habits, its likes and dislikes.  There is no point painting a bird in a west coast winter scene when he would be normally migrating south.  You might not realize the mistake but for sure your 'birder people' will.  I also find learning more about my subjects helps me in naming my pictures and thinking about little details that will enhance it. 
 

Swans - My Value Study

2. Prepare a few studies: 
I was recently doing some work with swans.  I have some awesome pictures of the Trumpeter Swans that migrate to the Comox Valley in winter.  They are a beautiful sight.  One, many on the west coast do not see. 

I first did a graphite study to get a feel for painting swans.  Since they are white it can be a challenge to infuse values and colour into their body. 

Swan: Little Lady - Matted 8 x 10 - Loved the softness 

Then I experimented with a few different approaches using a similar colour palette.  It was really interesting to see how a slight change in value or colour could totally change the outcome.  

Swan: In the Sunlight - Matted 8 x 10 - Really Pushed the Values

What I learned: 

As I worked through my small studies I learned a lot about painting my Swan. 

- I realized I was very timid and reluctant to get really dark with my shadows

- I liked playing around with different colours in the water.  Making me realize, tt really didn't have to be just blue

- I gained an understanding of how to change my background colours and carry that ambient light into my Swan. I liked how she seemed to really 'fit' into the environment I had created. 

- I became more aware of the subtle values needed to make the body round and interesting.

Spends some time to become friends with your subject.  It is surprising the things you will begin to notice. 

Special Note: 
I will be giving an Artist Talk at the Semiahmoo Library, 1815 152 St, Surrey, on Thursday, Nov 7, 1-2pm.  An Interactive Presentation on "Bringing Nature into Your Sketchbook/Journal".  FREE - Register 604-592-6900  as part of Artswest Show in the Library.  

Upcoming Show and Sales:       Looking Forward to Seeing you there

Nov 16 & 17 - Heart to Home Show - 12-4pm.  Surrey Art Gallery, 13750 88 Ave, Sry. 
Great selection of One-of-a-Kind Art & Crafts made by local artists.
 

Nov 30 - Dec 22 - Artswest Showcase of Art - Gallery Hours: 11-5pm Wed to Sun.  Landmark Pop-up Gallery, 15140 North Bluff Rd, White Rock.  I will have a full selection of Fine Art, cards and Prints. 

Always  Available at Art by Wendy's Studio

Original work, Commissions, Private Drawing Lessons, Prints and Cards of her Work, 

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

  

Wendy