Monday, September 27, 2010

Class 1— September 30— The 3-D Painting


Perspective, value, color and composition all work together to create depth. We’ll analyze those elements to make a painting that recedes. Bring a photo with a good sense of depth to it and we’ll look more closely at these elements.
Hi gang,

Our class this week, which starts our new session, is devoted to creating depth. The illusion of three dimensions is, to some degree or another, a combination of perspective (linear and aerial), value (paler as it recedes), color (cooler as it recedes), and composition (using overlapping objects, relative size, etc.) working together. 

Find a photograph that creates depth--not a difficult assignment. Unless you point your camera directly at a piece of white paper, for instance, you have some illusion of depth. 
(c) D. Secor
 How deep is the space in a composition like the one above? The depth from elbow to face is no more than a foot, yet key to creating three-dimensionality. What elements are at work here?

(c) photo: 'aphid dew' @ WetCanvas RIL
In the photo above the space between the feeder, the hummer and the distant trees is a matter of a few feet, while in the one below it's a matter of more than 20 miles. Again, what elements create the illusion of space?
(c) D. Secor
We'll explore the idea that some of the same devices are used in each one of these to add the illusion of depth to your painting. 

Please bring your sketch pad and drawing materials with you, along with photos you want to use for paintings, and together we'll explore these key elements that combine to create the illusion of 3-D in your paintings. 

See you on Thursday,
Deborah