First Two Weeks of Pastel Class

Well, I chose wisely....this is going to be a great class with Deborah Bays!

The first two weeks we have been discussing the difference between two approaches to painting:

Tonal and Light/Shadow
They are important in revealing form on a two-dimensional surface, and play a big role in the "intent" of your painting. (Another new concept, which I will try to explain once I understand it....smiling)

Tonal painting reveals form (a form is your subject...a pear, apple, box, flower) by value, shape and color. It can look quite graphic in nature. A great example of tonal painting is the Japanese prints. If you do a search on Japanese woodblock prints or art you will have some great examples, but I liked this site at Tokugawa Gallery -


http://www.tokugawagallery.com/gallery1.html

12" x 18" My attempt at a tonal drawing using vine charcoal on Canson (white)

I attempted to show form by shapes and values....this was hard for me as I think I am primarily a Light/Shadow painter. So let's take a look at that concept.

Light and Shadow painting reveals the form through light and shadow (things are in the light or they are in the shadow), and some great examples are the old Dutch Masters. Many of today's artists who specialize in Realism employ the Light and Shadow concept. Here is the Wikipedia site for Dutch Masters -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_Golden_Age_painting

11" x 12" My attempt at a Light & Shadow drawing using vine charcoal on Canson (cream)

One approach is not more preferred than another, it is all in the intent.....

My observations....
It is much easier for me to employ the Light and Shadow approach when painting.
I do think in the tonal approach when I do my art quilts.
I hate, hate, hate vine charcoal!
I can't wait to explore the idea of "intent" for starting a painting.

All for now.....C