What do these two paintings have in common?
The creators of each of these paintings have used gradation as a tool to give a dynamic
unity to the piece. The principle of gradation is used to create the principle of unity. Here they are in order with images so blurred that you see only the overall gradation pattern.
If you examine how each artist achieved this, you will notice that in each there are at least three value fields, each
gradating into the other. In their images, they've kept the darks to the same value range as the underlying field. The lights in the images don't change. Here's an analysis of Colin Page's piece.
If we think composition principles are mothball-feeling theory, we will want nothing to do with them, but if we switch that around
and use each of them as a tool, we open up for ourselves unlimited creative choices.
- In your sketchbook or on a scrap of paper, copy in pencil or charcoal each of the gradation patterns in the blurred images above.
- Using the image below as your reference, within each pattern create a drawing where your overall darks stay within the range of the value field in which they will appear and the lights remain as you see them.
- Keep referring back to how these artists have done that. It might even be helpful to copy areas of their work before doing your exercise.
- Hint: Keep in mind that you are working in value RANGES, not specific values.
AND GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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