Sunday, November 14, 2010

Thoughts On Drawing

As I ponder how to shadow and highlight the trees, I think, as I often do, that I might do well to draw often with pencil and paper. I like this paragraph from Drawing Lessons From the Great Masters by Robert Beverly Hale:

"Of course, if there were no light, there would be no shade or shadow: nothing for us to see, nothing to draw. It is only when light plays upon an object that we can see the form emerging. So the artist becomes incredibly sensitive to the play of light on form. Beginners usually see only about three tones when light plays on a white object: black, white, and gray. But the accomplished artist sees thousands. In fact, it is in this field--the field of light and shade--where a great difference exists between the beginner and the accomplished artist."

No picture today. I've been working the tree shadowing and like having some darker tones in place to push the trees back a bit. Not much to see yet as I feel my way about... :-)

6 comments:

  1. its an excellent book

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  2. Every step along the artistic road reveals more fascinating byways to walk down. And of course, to explore new ways of looking at things. After a lifetime of simply walking with eyes open it is a huge learning curve to really observe rather than simply to see. Looking forward to seeing the shadows emerging.

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  3. Ya, I love that book. More quotes to come! :-)

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  4. Well said, Judith. It takes real practice for me to quiet down enough to simply observe. In my favorite moments, I enjoy walking around a tree, watching shadows grow and melt. It's fun to do while driving, so watch out if you see a silver Honda coming at you! :-)

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