Let's Play with Edges

Published: Sat, 11/09/19

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Dear ,

How are your edges doing these days?

LET'S PLAY WITH EDGES

Look at this abstract composition. Notice that all the edges are in sharp focus. Even though the arrangement of shapes and their value and color contrasts strongly effect the composition, edges themselves help guide the eye and give resolution to the work.

Let's change that up a bit and throw all the edges out of focus. Nothing else has changed, but notice how you react to that--we want something to be in focus. Anything! But does everything need to be in total sharp focus?

Let's bring just one of those shapes into focus. Did your eye go to it first?

Now we'll sharpen the edges of three shapes. Scan backwards with these images and pay attention to how the focusing of edges effects the way you see the entire piece.

Here's one more. Do you notice how much difference the edges' focus makes in the way you perceive the whole thing?

Whether our designs are realistic images or abstract, this little experiment shows how the handling of edges influences the perception of the total piece. All these examples play only with soft and sharp edges. Other choices are broken, jazzed, lost, gradated--possibilities are limited only to the imagination.

What's important is that we notice what we are doing and find ways to use edges to strengthen our compositions.

This is a rewrite from a few years ago. I do that sometimes.

Have yourselves a fabulous weekend!

Happy Painting,

Dianne

dianne@diannemize.com

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