Tree Study 13, 8 x 6 in.
Several people have asked about whether the "active" side of the tree is always the lit side of the tree. It makes sense to assume that it would generally be the case, as light draws the eye. However, assume the entire tree is in shadow/silhouetted. One side could nevertheless be more "active" than the other. One side should have more emphasis, the other would be subordinate. Here, I have a tree that is obviously lit from one side, but I intentionally made the shadow side the active side, just as an example.
Even after doing all these studies, it's still difficult for me to restrain myself from "decorating" the entire outline of the tree with activity. One strives for balance, and this exercise is about interest. The balance would come in from the rest of the composition, as these are studies, and not meant to stand alone.
-julie davis
7 comments:
Thanks for this illustration. I was one of the one who asked the question and now it makes even more sense. I suppose it shows that the one thing we have to keep in mind when painting is "less is more" sometimes and restrict to the essence, and not showing everything or working on everything means some other elements will gain intensity and attractivity. Light exists because of dark, and focus exists because of "blur"... Thanks for the lessons Julie.
Exactly, Valerie! Well said.
Thanks Julie for this great series. I have been reading along and learning a lot! I have a weekly addition to my blog called "Blog Find of the Week" I am featuring your tree series this week. Happy Painting! Karla
Karla--wow! Thanks so much. It's great to know others are enjoying this learning process with me!
your awesome work is helping me learn. I'll keep watching. not enough words.....
You are the tree MASTER.
I love what you're doing here. It never gets old.
Hi Julie,
Another beauty.
xoxoxoxoxoxBarbara
Post a Comment