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See art in a fresh way. |
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Mini-Tutorial: Integration, Part1: Light |
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Integration is, perhaps, the
most complex problem in art. Often it is the cause of an
artist's agony and ecstasy. In this series on integration each tutorial will focus on one problem and show how the solution fits into the whole. The theme of Counterpose is about a harmony of contrast. At that time in my life it reflected my quest to pull together many different aspects of art and life and to balance them. I have removed the color from this image so that we can focus on the tonal values of the light. |
 Counterpose, 1990, oil on linen, 36x42" (Black/white photo) |
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Notice the dramatic difference
between the highlights on her face and fingers and the dark
casted shadows. I am purposefully using light and shadow
to support the painting's theme of contrast.
In the orange circle you can see the high contrast of the fabric of the folds.
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Almost every part of her body
has an element of contrast between the light and shadow. You
will notice that the highest contrasts are in the foreground and
as parts of her body recede away from us the contrast
diminishes. This also allows for her body to be integrated in
space, which, of course, is another tutorial.
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As a foil to Counterpose,
the theme of Denouement is about the radiance of
love. It has a much softer, diffused light which radiates out
from the lamp on the floor. Though these b/w photos are of the finished paintings in color, I did paint a monochromatic under-painting for both of them. The advantage of monochromatic under-painting is that it is easier to organize all the tonal values and details without the added worry of the hue (color values) of things. If you are a painter struggling with a mess that isn't coming together, take the color out and it will immediate help pull the work together. From that point, go back into color, carefully matching the color with your monochromatic tonal values. |
 Denouement, 1987, oil on linen (Black/white photo) |
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Here is a side by side
comparison of Counterpose in color and without. The next tutorial on integration will be about the high contrast of color in Counterpose.
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The original Counterpose and Giclee reproductions of Counterpose and Denouement are available. |
Online Tutorials|
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©2006 Newberry, All rights reserved. |