What is it about back and white pictures that draw me in? Do you ever find yourself staring at an old picture and being totally captivated? I find black and white pictures more interesting because of the dance between light and shadow. There are so many shades between black and white. Finding that harmonious balance is key to a stunning painting. Light and shadow make all the difference. When I was painting my train (as seen here) I wanted to make sure the front of the train stood out. You can see where the light hits the circle and the darkness on the underside. It’s working to create a 3D effect so it feels like the train is coming at you. Without this balance, it would look flat. In general I use pure white as the highlight and purr black as the shadow. How do I find the different tones? Sometimes I take a few blobs of white and add one drop of black to the first then two drops to the second. I also have a neutral gray and I add white to create the sky. The danger is creating a washed out effect. Too much of one color and there’s no deviation. The shadow on the side of the boardwalk is pure black and gradually lightens up as you move towards the train tracks. The question is, where is the light coming from? Obviously the closer the object is to the light, it is lighter. The further away, it is obviously darker. Either way it’s a gradual shift. I have to find shades between the darkness and the light. It’s all about practice, practice. Whether it’s color or black and white piece, it’s important to know where the light is coming from. This creates a much more realistic effect. The lesson here is light and shadow help create a more balanced piece. Black and white pictures remind us of a simpler time. I love painting them! As someone said, “People look at old photos and put them in a drawer. A painting you can’t put away.” Maybe a gentle reminder of simpler times is something we all need. Happy painting!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Lauren Walker
As The Artist Within, I use the love for my small town of Port Perry as inspiration for my work. As a long time resident and artist I love to showcase its vivid landscapes and bold colors. There is beauty in our own backyard! Archives
February 2024
Categories |