Tonal Study

[Ian Mack]

This was done over the course of several classes/labs.

The process.

1. Graphite study in my sketchbook.
2. light dwg on canvas(ghetto cardboard) using watered down paint.
3. Finding lightest light value and darkest dark.
4. Painting values for large areas of colour and relating each to one another. I continued this step for quite a long time which I think was what brought me to the impressionist look.
5. Painting test strips of values where values intersect.
6. Filling in the between. Took absolutely no time at all compared to the rest of the steps!

http://www.basementlife.ca/ta/bwstudy.jpg

Here's a closer shot although it's hardly impressive.

http://www.basementlife.ca/ca/bwstudydet.jpg

[glikster]

Can you elaborate on the steps a little bit more.

I'd like to try different study methods...

For example, what do you mean by "4. Painting values for large areas of colour and relating each to one another. "? Is this on the painting? In that case, what do you fill in once you paint the test strips of values where values intersect. Or do you paint the test strips on something else.... but then, what do you fill in again?

Regardless, that's a very nice study.

[Fl3wk]

Yes, I too think it is overly simplified. Alot here are students who need guidence like this, but more indepth would help.

[Ian Mack]

I understand what you mean...I'm a student myself but I will do my best to give u guys a more in-depth description when I get home from school. Check back later tonight. Cheers!

[glikster]

Excellent! Thank you!

[Ian Mack]

1. Graphite Study:This study is basically a first draft and helps you to get a handle on your composition and test out the value relationships.

2. Take some water soluble oil paint and water it down until almost transparent. Then rough out your painting on the canvas.

3. Establish a range of values by finding your lightest light and your darkest dark value. For this painting, I think my range was from 0% grey to %60 (at the most). Our teacher emphasized not making the values too dark.

4. Dots of value. You scan the setup with your eyes and try to find large areas of the same value. Where you find these areas, you match it and put down a dot of colour. Compare it to other values you have put down. Always allow your eye to move across the painting as this is how you see your values clearly. Do not do this systematically...find a value in the upper-left, then in the lower right corner, then in the middle, whereever. Just make sure to compare always because having the correct relationships between your values is what makes the painting come alive.

5. As soon as you think u have enough values then you can start painting test strips (or clusters) where these values intersect. You'll end up with a line of values that moves across or down the page. Or in the case of clusters, think of a pie with each slice being a different value.

6. Once you are sure everything works with each other you can go in and fill in the space between your values. This step is the quickest and most mechanical because the hard part (relating the values together) has already been done.

et voila. :) Hope that helps!

[glikster]

sweet! Thank you for that... very, very helpful! :hatsoff:

I will definitely try that!