In this session we look at one of the fundamental elements of art - Contrast.
We begin by sketching in pencil or water soluble graphite from a reference photo of beautiful birch trees. What we are looking for in this sketching exercise is how to use and push contrast of line and space. We use the graphite lines to then add water and create washes that contrast the background from the trees or to darken the trees in order to contrast them from the background (space). We try this sketching exrcise of seeking formulas of contrast while testing different combinations of mediums such as pencil, charcoal, ink, ink pens or watercolor. When it comes to adding detail, we want to refrain from adding to much - we want to showcase contrast as a structure in our drawing, strong enough to stand on it’s own.
In our final project - we take our preferred combination of line and wash to complete a composition with horizon line, tree line and birch trees. Our goal is to emphasis the contrast of light, line, texture and space.
A sense of carefree sketching from our earlier exercise should spill over to this more ‘serious’ sketch. Look out for the contrast between loose and tight in your drawing and painting. Contrast is everywhere if we choose to see it.
Happy Sketching.
