Lesson 20
1. Thought
"In an almost totally monochromatic picture, warm-grey
values bring a subject forward or closer to the viewer. Conversely,
cool-grey values make objects recede in the background. A dependable
rule of thumb is: objects in the foreground appear closer when
they are darker and warmer in value; objects in the background
appear more distant when done with lighter, cooler values."
Bill Tilton, Artists Magazine, Feb 92
2. Words:
ACID-FREE: Acid is what makes paper or mat board become discolored
or brittle. A board or paper with a neutral pH (7.0) contains
no acid and is considered safe to use. Boards labeled "acid
free" are either neutral or slightly alkaline. (from Artists'
Magazine, January, 91)
If you're drawing for practice and not concerned with the longevity
of the product, use inexpensive paper, newsprint, etc. But for
good conservation, choose paper products and mounting products
that are acid-free. I have seen a charcoal drawing on newsprint
turn deep brown within 30 years, even though mounted and framed.
3. Practice: "Learning bears fruit when it is applied."
The following would be a useful exercise if you can set yourself
up to do it. Do a value drawing (black and white only), but
use warm and cool grays. There are many ways you can get these
grays. You can mix a brown and blue pigment. The proportion of
brown to blue will determine whether it's a warm or cool grey.
You can buy warm and cool grey markers at art supply stores. You
can buy warm and cool grey pastels too. You can cut out warm and
cool grays from magazines. Try a composition using some of the
clues for depth including use of warm and cool grays. Then try
the reverse, that is, put the cool grays where the closest objects
are and the warm grays where the farther objects are. Bring your
exercises in to class.
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